El-Rufai, citing brotherhood, urges ECOWAS to avoid war with Niger

The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has advised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to steer clear of a potential war with Niger, stating that it would essentially be a conflict between brothers.

Recall that the military chiefs of ECOWAS convened on Friday, August 18, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, to discuss the feasibility of a military intervention in Niger. This move comes as a response to the military takeover in the country, following unsuccessful diplomatic efforts by various ECOWAS stakeholders.

In the early hours of Tuesday, El-Rufai, via his account on X, the app previously known as Twitter, urged the West African organization to take measures to prevent a war that could have repercussions for the northern part of Nigeria.

The former Kaduna Governor drew a parallel between the potential military action of ECOWAS in Niger and a civil war between brethren. He remarked, “I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’, because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers.” He further elaborated, “Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria.”

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

El-Rufai also called upon ECOWAS stakeholders to resonate with the lyrics of the classic song “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits, a composition that preaches against warfare.

El-Rufai emphasised, “Let us thus go the extra mile to avert this civil war between brothers.”

He went on to express, “For this bright Tuesday, please enjoy this classic and ponder the timeless lyrics. Music is meant for enjoyment, but due to being deeply engrossed in public affairs over the past decade, I have missed out on valuable moments of pleasure.”

“It’s time to make up for lost time. Enjoy!! Life is too short not to!! – @elrufai” he concluded.