The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its readiness for military intervention to restore democracy in Niger, following the military coup that took place last month. The coup led by the military council resulted in the arrest of the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
After summoning its reserve forces, ECOWAS stressed that a military solution remains on the table if diplomatic avenues fail. The Commissioner for Security and Peace at ECOWAS emphasized this stance in recent statements, suggesting that the Nigerien military council is merely prolonging dialogue as a stalling tactic to solidify their position.
As the group’s leaders convened for a two-day summit in Ghana, discussing their response to the July 26th coup in Niger, specifics regarding the reserve force that could be deployed for potential intervention were under scrutiny. This summit marks the first since ECOWAS ordered the mobilization of this reserve force to reestablish constitutional governance in the country.
Military intervention could see thousands of troops from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Benin if the decision is made. However, many experts believe the process could take weeks or even months to prepare.
Having previously imposed several economic and travel-related sanctions on Niger, ECOWAS had termed the coup a “serious development,” hinting at a potential military response. Yet, as time has passed without any military action and a stalemate in negotiations, the military council has strengthened its grip, leaving ECOWAS with limited options.
Andrew Liebovitch, a researcher at the Dutch-based Clingendael Institute for International Relations, commented, “ECOWAS seems to have few good options, especially since the military council seems currently unwilling to yield to external pressure.” He further speculated that a military intervention might have unintended consequences, potentially damaging the organization in multiple ways. A failure to secure significant concessions from the military council could politically weaken an already fragile ECOWAS.
It’s worth noting that ECOWAS has previously struggled to halt the proliferation of military coups in the region. Over the past three years, neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali have both experienced coups.
