Title: ECOWAS intervention in Niger: what concrete progress?
Introduction :
For several months, the intervention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niger has been the subject of multiple developments. While the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff last August foreshadowed significant progress, it is clear that things seem to be at a standstill. In this article we will analyze the reasons for this stagnation and the implications for the region.
The countdown that does not succeed:
During the meeting of chiefs of staff in Accra, ECOWAS announced that the date of the intervention had been retained. However, despite this announcement, no concrete progress has been noted for more than a month and a half. The reconnaissance missions carried out by Ivory Coast and Senegal in Benin, identified as a key player in coordination, were not followed by a deployment of troops. Benin maintains its operation staff well, but with a reduced workforce.
Nigeria, a central actor who is slow to act:
Nigeria, as an ECOWAS framework nation, had an essential role to play, particularly by providing air resources. However, the green light from the Nigerian president, who is also the head of ECOWAS, is long overdue. This prolonged wait raises questions about the country’s real commitment to this intervention. Some officers testify to their expectation of order from politicians, which suggests a certain inertia in the process.
Pressure on the military junta:
Despite the apparent stagnation of the situation, we should not draw hasty conclusions. The military junta in Niger continues to face pressure from the international community as well as some countries in the region. This pressure may explain the caution and slowness in implementing the ECOWAS intervention.
Conclusion :
The ECOWAS intervention in Niger, although initially promising, today finds itself at an impasse. The reasons for this stagnation appear multiple, ranging from the wait for the green light from Nigeria to the pressure exerted on the military junta. It is essential that stakeholders redouble their efforts to find a rapid and effective solution to restore constitutional order in Niger and guarantee stability in the region.