Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has emphasized the significant logistical hurdles that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would encounter if it were to deploy troops to Niger.

Credible sources indicate that ECOWAS would need a substantial force of at least 50,000 troops to effectively address the security concerns in the West African nation.

However, the current commitments from member states fall far short of this requirement, according to Mr Ablakwa.

Presently, only a modest pledge of 800 to 1000 troops has been made by Ivory Coast, leaving ECOWAS facing a substantial gap in its security deployment plans, he said on JoyNews on Saturday, August 19.

“If you really look at ECOWAS today, it’s Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Nigeria is already stretched with Boko Haram. Tinubu [Nigeria’s President] doesn’t have support. Ivory Coast says they can do 1,000 [soldiers].

“Senegal, I know has received a juicy offer from America to send their troops to Haiti to support the American intervention there because Haiti is totally getting out of control. They are likely to accept that. We’re left with Ghana, how are we going to get those numbers?” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday.

Recounting when the regional bloc introduced an initiative to combat extremism in the area, Mr Ablakwa said it was only Ghana and Nigeria who made a financial commitment.

“Only two countries contributed, Nigeria; $20 million and Ghana; $5 million. The rest said we should give them time,” he said.

Mr. Ablakwa, citing ECOWAS member states' historical reluctance to fully participate, expresses skepticism about achieving the required number of troops for the mission in Niger.

In the meantime, ECOWAS has clarified that the potential deployment of military forces to restore democracy in Niger is a last resort after exhausting all other options. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized that the intention is not to initiate a war against Niger.

Abdel-Fatau Musah also acknowledged that ECOWAS is prepared to initiate fresh negotiations in Niger in pursuit of a peaceful resolution on Saturday, August 19th. He reiterated that ECOWAS is open to engaging with the junta to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.