El-Rufai urges ECOWAS to prevent conflict with Niger Republic
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has advised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to avoid the potential conflict with Niger Republic, emphasizing that it would essentially be a fraternal struggle. El-Rufai, in a message posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) in the early hours of Tuesday, called upon the West African organization to take proactive measures to avert a war that could have repercussions for Nigeria's northern region.
Drawing a parallel to a civil war among kin, El-Rufai likened ECOWAS's imminent military intervention in Niger to a conflict between siblings. He quoted a line from the Dire Straits rock classic of the 1970s, stating, "TUESDAY THOUGHT: As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – 'Brothers in Arms' because a war within our sub region is a war between brothers."
Truly, the citizens of Niger Republic are intricately linked with those residing in Northern Nigeria. It is imperative that we go the extra mile to avert the possibility of a fraternal conflict.
On this luminous Tuesday, I invite you to relish this timeless classic and contemplate its enduring lyrics. While music is a source of joy, the past decade's preoccupation with public affairs has caused me to miss out on precious moments of enjoyment. Now, it's time to reclaim those lost instances. Embrace them with gusto! Life is too brief to do otherwise. – #elrufai
Recollect that it was on Friday, August 18, 2023, when ECOWAS military leaders convened in Accra, Ghana, to deliberate the feasibility of intervening militarily in Niger. This decision stems from the military coup that unfolded in the nation, after multiple diplomatic efforts by various ECOWAS parties proved futile.
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