Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has cautioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to proceed with its planned military intervention in Niger Republic.
El-Rufai spoke in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, days after ECOWAS defence chiefs assured of readiness to participate in a standby force that would restore democracy in Niger.
The former Kaduna governor described the proposed military intervention as a “civil war between brothers” that must be avoided.
“As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’, because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers. Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria.
“Let us bend therefore over backwards to avoid this civil war between brothers,” El-Rufai tweeted.
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 subregion is a war between brothers. Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria.…
— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) August 22, 2023
Recall that the military struck in Niger on July 26, removing President Mohamed Bazoum from office.
Since the coup, ECOWAS has warned the military junta that took over to restore the overthrown president or prepare to face military action that will restore constitutional order.
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