News in Niger: ECOWAS ultimatum ends without planned military intervention
On August 6, 2023, the ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Nigerien military junta expired. However, contrary to expectations, no military intervention by the organization’s member forces is planned at this time. Instead, it is possible that one or two new missions will be sent to Niamey.
According to information from RFI, the force command is still waiting for the order to intervene. The current president of ECOWAS, Bola Tinubu, has not obtained clear support from Nigerian senators for military intervention. However, troop contributing countries such as Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast and Senegal are actively preparing.
It is unclear whether these troops are fully ready, as details of their barracks and operational deployment are being kept secret. According to some experts, the troops could be positioned near Niger’s borders, but no official information has been communicated on this subject.
Despite the end of the ultimatum, officials from ECOWAS member countries explain that this does not automatically mean the launch of a military operation. The organization’s ministers and heads of state continue to actively speak to each other by telephone and favor the path of negotiation to find a peaceful solution, in particular by seeking help from former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou.
Within the ECOWAS commission, it is emphasized that if military intervention remains a possibility, negotiations will continue until the last moment. The organization’s heads of state are also considering holding a virtual or in-person summit to discuss possible intervention and contributions from participating countries. Nigeria remains the main contributor with a force of 5,000 men ready to be mobilized quickly.
At the same time, ECOWAS remains attentive to the situation in Niamey. The putschists appear to be in favor of the arrival of a new mission from the organization, having been poorly received by the previous mission. Additionally, an American delegation could also visit Niamey, attesting to international interest in the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
In conclusion, the restoration of institutions and constitutional order remains the main objective of ECOWAS. Discussions and negotiations continue to try to reach a peaceful solution, but if necessary, military intervention remains a considered option. The future of the political situation in Niger is still uncertain, and only developments in the coming days will reveal the decisions taken by ECOWAS and the organization’s member countries.