The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated that it can no longer be a part of an organisation whose actions clash with its own constitutional values, which emphasize state sovereignty. This decision echoes the actions of Burkina Faso and Niger, both of which have military governments and have severed ties with France in favor of asserting their own sovereignty.
These three nations, who were among the original members of the OIF, have criticized the organisation for its selective application of sanctions and for undermining their sovereignty, labeling it a politically driven instrument.
The withdrawal of these countries from the OIF is against the backdrop of escalating tensions with France. Military leaders in the Sahel region are increasingly looking towards Russia while affirming their sovereignty, a move symbolized by the renaming of streets and monuments previously honoring France.
