Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS’ Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, has refuted assertions that the regional body would need 50,000 troops in Niger to execute a mission aimed at removing the military junta and reinstating ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
He emphasized that Niger’s military force is already at approximately 13,000 personnel, suggesting that a significantly smaller number of troops would suffice if ECOWAS opted to deploy its standby army for this endeavor.
The controversy surrounding troop numbers was initiated by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who referenced reliable sources to substantiate his claim that 50,000 troops would be necessary for a successful operation in Niger.
However, Musah dismissed these assertions as speculative and stated that ECOWAS had accurate figures that were far lower than what had been suggested.
In a recent appearance on Joy FM’s Newsfile on August 19, Ablakwa discussed the matter further, detailing that only four ECOWAS member states—Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast—were positioned to contribute troops.
He highlighted the challenges faced by these countries, including Nigeria’s existing commitments against Boko Haram and Ivory Coast’s limited commitment of 1,000 soldiers.
Ablakwa also noted that Senegal had been offered support by the United States to assist with a separate military intervention in Haiti, potentially leaving Ghana as the primary source of troops for the Niger mission.
Meanwhile, pivotal developments transpired in Niamey. ECOWAS mediators, led by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdul Salaam Abubakar, engaged with junta leaders, the new Prime Minister, and deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
Additionally, a substantial civilian mobilization event unfolded at Niamey stadium, where thousands of civilians rallied in support of the army, should an ECOWAS military intervention take place.
As the intricate dynamics continue to unfold in the Niger crisis, the question of troop deployment and effective regional intervention remains central to the ongoing discussions and efforts towards restoring stability and democracy in the country.
Discussion about this post