Following ECOWAS, the ESA countries are leaving the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Indeed, since Tuesday, March 18, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali are no longer members of this association of countries that share the French language.

It "has distinguished itself by the selective application of sanctions based on geopolitical considerations"

In a statement, the confederation's foreign ministers explained what their states blame the organization for. "Since the advent of the transition in Mali, Burkina Faso, and then Niger, the OIF, instead of supporting these countries in achieving the legitimate aspirations of their peoples, in accordance with the objectives of peace, cooperation, and solidarity, has distinguished itself by the selective application of sanctions based on geopolitical considerations and the disregard for their sovereignty, thus becoming a remote-controlled political instrument," the diplomats judge.

A sovereign decision

"Faced with this condescending attitude," they continue, "Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Army General Assimi Goita and Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tiani, respectively heads of state of Burkina, Mali and Niger, faithful to the deep aspirations of their peoples and determined to defend their legitimate interests, have decided in all sovereignty, the withdrawal of the member states of the AES Confederation from the international organization of the Francophonie." The decision has already been notified to the OIF, in accordance with article 10 of the organization's charter, the press release informs.