The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has highlighted the critical logistical challenges the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will face should deploy troops to Niger.

According to him, reliable sources have indicated that ECOWAS requires a substantial force of at least 50,000 troops to effectively counter the West African country.

However, the current pledges fall far short of this goal. As of now, only a modest commitment of 800 to 1000 troops has come from Ivory Coast, leaving ECOWAS with a substantial gap in its security deployment plans.

“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.

With ECOWAS member states having a record of the lack of participation, Mr Ablakwa doubts that the required number of soldiers needed against Niger will be achieved.

Meanwhile, the ECOWAS has said that the proposed deployment of the military to restore democracy in Niger will be considered if all options fail.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah said that the intent is not to declare war on Niger.

Abdel-Fatau Musah acknowledged that the ECOWAS mission may undertake renewed talks in Niger to seek a peaceful resolution on Saturday, August 19.

He said ECOWAS is ready to engage with the junta.