France, March 20 -- As French-speaking countries celebrate International Francophone Day, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have this week announced their withdrawal from the International Organisation of Francophonie, which organises the event as part of its mission to celebrate French language around the world.

In a letter addressed to diplomats stationed in Niamey, the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday the country's withdrawal from the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF), our regional correspondent reported.

Neighbouring Burkina Faso had already made the same decision, OIF spokespersonOria K. Vande Weghe toldFrench-language international channel, TV5 Monde the same day.

On Tuesday, Malian authorities a...