The African nation announced a complete suspension of co-operation with the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) amid a rupture in relations with France.
A spokesman for Niger’s military government stated on Sunday that the 88-member body “has always been used by France as an instrument to defend French interests.”
The military took power in Niger after July’s coup, which was strongly condemned by France and other Western allies. French troops who had helped fight the decade-long armed conflict were soon forced to leave the West African country.
Long ago, the French body announced a mission to promote the language, support peace and democracy, as well as foster education and development in French-speaking countries, many of which were former French colonies.
The government of Niger calls on the African people to decolonise their minds and promote their own national languages in accordance with the ideas of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism.
The interim authorities of Niger stated the duration of the power transition period would be determined after an inclusive national dialogue, without, however, specifying when it would take place.
