Mixed reactions as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso withdraw from La Francophonie

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have announced their withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie, prompting mixed reactions among residents.

The move marks another step for the three countries, united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in their growing distance from France—politically, militarily, and now culturally.

La Francophonie is made up of French-speaking countries around the world and aims to promote the French language and cooperation among member states. But for many in the AES countries, speaking French represents a dark colonial legacy.

"I think we need to look to the future, to choose a common language for the AES and make sure that the people of the AES can really live better without the French language. French is not our mother tongue. It is a borrowed language, a colonizer's language, which must be abandoned," said Abdou Mamane Lokoko, president of the Network of Education Sector Organizations in Niger.

Anti-French sentiment has ramped up in these three countries in recent years since military regimes took over.

They have dismissed French Ambassadors, told French troops to withdraw and banned some French media. Burkina Faso and Mali have even dropped French as an official language.

Still, some are calling for a cautious approach.

"You don't give up a language overnight. It takes a lot of preparation and thought. It is true that the majority of Malians, especially in the south of the country, are in favor of promoting Bambara. But the issue has to be put on the table for discussion," said Koureichy Cisse, a Malian analyst.

"Actually, I just want to understand the ins and outs of this decision. I want to know what will happen next. I'm currently a student of French language and grammar. If leaving La Francophonie means that French will no longer be used as an administrative language, what will happen to our diplomas? What will they be used for?" said Ouattara Mariam, a student from Burkina Faso.

The International Organization of La Francophonie is comprised of 93 member states, and French is spoken by about 300 million people across the world.

The organization has expressed regret about the three countries' departure.

Mixed reactions as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso withdraw from La Francophonie

Residents in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, are demanding that the government take action to combat the escalating gang violence.

The Caribbean country's security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months, as escalating attacks against civilians are eroding the few areas that remain free from gang influence.

In February alone, the escalating violence in Port-au-Prince has forced nearly 60,000 people to flee their homes.

Currently, over 1 million people are displaced across Haiti -- a figure that has tripled in the past year.

Armed gangs are seizing control of more neighborhoods, raising fears that the capital could fall at any moment.

Half of the country's population is facing acute food shortages, and many displaced people have sought refuge in makeshift shelters, where access to food, water and medical care is severely limited.

Meanwhile, gang violence is intensifying, with kidnappings, extortion and killings plunging the country, especially the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, deeper into turmoil.

"We have nowhere to go. All of those sleeping at the gas station have nowhere to go. I just have one thing to say to the government: they have to do something for us," said Laurie Evanie Felix, a local vendor.

Inflation is soaring, basic services are collapsing, and food insecurity is worsening.

Amidst this turmoil, the rise in gang violence persists, even with the presence of UN-backed international forces led by Kenya.

As conditions worsen, millions are wondering when they will see any sustainable relief.

"Help! Government of my country! Help! We can't run anymore! Government of my country, do something," said Kettia Sylvain, another vendor.

Desperate Haitians urge gov't to take action amid escalating gang violence

Desperate Haitians urge gov't to take action amid escalating gang violence