The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are not currently prepared to launch a full-scale intervention in Niger, where a military junta has taken control.
Last month, ECOWAS, which consists of 15 countries in the region, issued a seven-day ultimatum, threatening military action against the plotters in Niger if they did not reinstate the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. However, the junta did not yield to the ultimatum.
Despite the passing of the ultimatum deadline on Sunday, there has been no indication of armed intervention or mobilization in the neighboring countries of Niger.
An unnamed senior commander from one of the ECOWAS countries, speaking to the WSJ, revealed that the bloc is currently not ready for a full-scale operation. He emphasized the need to strengthen their military units before considering such action, as success relies on adequate preparation.
Furthermore, Burkina Faso and Mali, two regional countries led by juntas, have cautioned that any military intervention in Niger would be viewed as a declaration of war against them.
Given this context, the commander informed the WSJ that ECOWAS will continue to exert pressure on the Niger junta through economic sanctions. Additionally, they aim to extend the trade embargo by involving other international bodies like the African Union to support the restrictions.
