At least 17 Nigerien soldiers have tragically lost their lives, while 20 others sustained injuries in an attack suspected to be orchestrated by jihadists. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the vicinity of the Niger-Mali border, as confirmed by the country’s defense ministry based in Niamey.

In a statement released late Tuesday evening, the defense ministry reported that the attack took place during the early afternoon. A convoy of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) was ambushed near the town of Koutougou while moving between Boni and Torodi.

The provisional count reveals that 17 soldiers have been killed, with 20 more wounded, six of whom are in critical condition. All injured personnel have been promptly evacuated to Niamey. A sweeping operation is currently underway to neutralize any remaining threats.

The Nigerien army has shared that they effectively thwarted the attackers, destroying two columns of over fifty motorcycles each as they attempted to withdraw. This operation led to the neutralization of more than a hundred terrorists, making it a significant victory against the assailants.

The Koutougou area, situated near the Mali border in the Tillabéri region, has become a notorious hotspot for Sahelian jihadists, including elements of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). Despite substantial anti-jihadist forces deployed in the region, it remains a vulnerable target for attacks.

This recent attack marks the deadliest incident since the coup on July 26, which resulted in the ousting of elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani and his military regime, cited the deteriorating security situation as their primary reason for taking control.

The Tillabéri region, known as the “three borders” area due to its proximity to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, has long been a center of activity for extremist groups.

Prior to the coup, France collaborated with the Nigerien army in countering these jihadist forces, deploying around 1,500 soldiers in Niger.

However, the new military leadership in Niamey has shifted its focus to France, accusing the former colonial power of attempting to intervene militarily to reinstate President Bazoum. This development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and challenges facing the region in its ongoing battle against terrorism.

In a troubling development, tensions have surged between the Nigerien military authorities and Côte d’Ivoire, as a result of recent remarks made by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

The situation escalated when coup leaders from Niger recalled their envoy in Abidjan on Monday (Aug. 14).

President Ouattara’s comments, made after a summit of the ECOWAS on August 10, hinted at a potential military operation that he suggested should “start as soon as possible.”

President Ouattara’s statement, however, has sparked a strong rebuke from the Nigerien side. In a detailed response, Ouattara’s eagerness for an immediate military action against Niger was labeled “illegal and senseless” by the coup leaders.

“Far from being the expression of the will of the brotherly Ivorian people, whose friendship with the people of Niger is unequivocal, this unusual declaration by President Ouattara and his eagerness to carry out an aggression against Niger which is in every way illegal and senseless, reflects in reality an order addressed to him and certain of his peers in the ECOWAS by other external powers, with the aim of preserving interests that no longer match those of today’s Niger.”

They accused him of acting under the influence of external powers, rather than representing the true wishes of the Ivorian people.

The regional tensions have brought into question the viability of a military intervention in Niger. Last week, ECOWAS leaders had mandated the deployment of a “standby force,” raising concerns among experts regarding the feasibility and risks of such an operation.

The ECOWAS “standby force” has previously been utilized for peacekeeping missions in countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia.

Experts believe that executing a military operation in Niger poses significant challenges. The country’s vast and hostile terrain could complicate a land offensive, while doubts persist about the effectiveness of an air operation targeting the presidential palace where the ousted president is reportedly held.

The Nigerien military boasts an estimated strength of around 30,000 soldiers, with approximately 11,000 deployed in the theater of operations.

Despite the willingness of Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire to send troops, there is internal criticism and hesitation from other West African countries, revealing underlying divisions within ECOWAS.

The complex nature of such an operation necessitates thorough negotiations and coordination among contributing nations, a process often mired in mistrust.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches with bated breath, aware of the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead for the region.

The delicate balance between diplomatic efforts and military interventions remains a key concern for ECOWAS leaders grappling with the escalating crisis in Niger.

In a response to the military takeover on July 26 in Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has authorized the activation of its “standby force” for a potential armed intervention.

Despite favoring dialogue, ECOWAS acknowledges the need for a forceful action to counter the soldiers in power. However, experts are skeptical about the feasibility of this complex and risky military operation.

The standby force, historically deployed for peacekeeping missions in countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia, lacks a clear mandate for specific missions.

Marc-André Boisvert, a researcher affiliated with the Center FrancoPaix, emphasizes that the establishment of such a force hinges on negotiations among member countries, which are hindered by mistrust.

Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire have expressed willingness to contribute troops, but internal criticism and hesitancy from other West African nations complicate the situation.

The African standby force was not designed for restoring constitutional order post-coup, revealing sovereignty concerns among African states.

Elie Tenenbaum from the French Institute of International Relations highlights the fragility and resource constraints of West African armies, posing challenges to mobilizing personnel.

The proposed intervention, requiring around 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers, faces obstacles due to the Nigerien army’s strength and existing deployments.

Mali and Burkina Faso caution against ECOWAS intervention, likening it to a declaration of war. Their military focus on countering armed jihadist groups on their own soil may undermine their capacity to support the Niamey regime.

Experts concur on the immense difficulty of executing such an operation in Niger, both in terms of logistical challenges and strategic considerations.

A land offensive entails traversing hostile territory, while an air operation presents concerns about modern anti-aircraft defenses.

The plan to seize Niamey airport and target the presidential palace prompts concerns of resistance from the coup’s instigators and the broader army.

The coup’s spearhead, the 700-strong presidential guard, is anticipated to resist fiercely, while the response of other Nigerien army units remains uncertain.

In summary, while ECOWAS strives to address the Niger coup through armed intervention, challenges abound. Negotiations, sovereignty concerns, limited resources, and operational complexities cast doubts on the mission’s feasibility and success.