Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has drawn attention to the significant logistical obstacles that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) may encounter in deploying troops to Niger. He has highlighted the urgent need for a substantial force of approximately 50,000 troops to address the situation effectively in the West African nation.
However, Ablakwa has revealed that the current commitments from member states are falling far short of this requirement. Ivory Coast, for instance, has offered a modest pledge of 800 to 1000 troops, leaving a significant gap in ECOWAS’ security deployment plans.
Ablakwa questioned the feasibility of assembling the necessary numbers from the relatively limited pool of available countries. He noted that Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast are among the few nations capable of contributing troops, but each faces its own challenges. Nigeria is already stretched in dealing with Boko Haram, Ivory Coast’s commitment is relatively modest, and Senegal may divert its troops to support an American intervention in Haiti.
Recalling a past initiative aimed at combating extremism in the region, Ablakwa revealed that only Nigeria and Ghana made financial contributions, with the rest asking for more time. Nigeria pledged $20 million, and Ghana committed $5 million.
Given this track record of limited participation, Ablakwa expressed skepticism about ECOWAS’ ability to assemble the required number of troops for deployment to Niger.
In response, ECOWAS has indicated that the proposed military deployment to restore democracy in Niger will be considered if all diplomatic options fail. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized that the intention is not to wage war on Niger. Musah stated that renewed talks with the junta are possible, as ECOWAS remains committed to seeking a peaceful resolution to the situation.