Mahama Ayariga suggests that the success for ECOWAS hinges on its intervention in the Niger coup
Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and a representative in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, believes that ECOWAS can achieve success with even a modest effort if it decides to intervene in the Niger coup situation.
On July 27, soldiers, primarily from the presidential guard, took control of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, resulting in the dissolution of the constitution, suspension of institutions, and border closures. President Mohamed Bazoum is currently held by the presidential guard.
During an interview on Citi TV, Ayariga expressed his confidence that the Nigerien security forces lack the capability to withstand the collective strength of West Africa. He emphasized that if ECOWAS chooses to intervene and exerts even a minimal force, it would likely succeed.
Ayariga reasoned that the internal divisions within the Nigerian security apparatus, particularly among those supporting the coup-leading presidential guard, contribute to this likelihood of success.
In a separate viewpoint, Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) urged caution in ECOWAS’ approach to restoring democracy in Niger. The security analyst criticized the regional bloc’s swift consideration of military intervention as premature. Aboagye recommended that ECOWAS recalibrate its decisions by consulting with various military leaders stationed in the country and the Sahel region.
He underscored the importance of assessing the demands, costs, and risks associated with potential military intervention. Additionally, Aboagye cautioned ECOWAS to navigate the interests of influential global powers involved in the crisis to prevent further complicating the situation.
Source – citinewsroom.com
