The contours of a possible military intervention by ECOWAS in Niger are becoming clearer, as the ultimatum set by the organization expires tomorrow, Sunday August 6. Several countries have already announced their willingness to participate in this operation, but Mauritania, which is not part of ECOWAS, has chosen to stay back for the moment. However, the country says it is open to any request for participation.
The Mauritanian government strongly condemned the recent coup in Niger perpetrated by General Abdourahamane Tchiani and opposed any unconstitutional change. However, Nani Ould Chrougha, government spokesperson, indicated that no request for participation has been made to date. He said that if such a request were made, it would be assessed against the country’s best interests and its responsibility for regional stability and security.
Some domestic observers, however, consider it unlikely that Mauritania will participate in a military intervention in Niger. In January 2022, the country had already chosen not to support the economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in Mali following two military coups. He had even allowed the export of Malian cotton via the port of Nouakchott.
There are therefore still uncertainties as to Mauritania’s final position in this matter. It is important to emphasize that the situation in Niger is worrying and that the intervention of ECOWAS is considered a necessary measure to restore order and stability in the country.
It is worth following the evolution of the situation closely and observing if Mauritania will finally decide to join the ECOWAS military operation