Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, has urged caution regarding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) considering military intervention in Niger Republic. President Bola Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, mentioned that the bloc would resort to force if the coup leaders in Niger do not transfer power back to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS had initiated the activation of its standby force in Niger.
El-Rufai expressed concern about the potential for a war between brotherly nations within the sub-region. He emphasized the historical and cultural connections between the people of Niger Republic and those living in Northern Nigeria. El-Rufai called for a diplomatic approach to avoid a civil war between nations that share deep ties.
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) and governors of Nigerian states sharing borders with Niger Republic have also advocated for diplomatic solutions to the crisis. The NSF warned that deploying Nigerian troops to Niger Republic could negatively impact the northern Nigerian states that border the landlocked nation. President Tinubu has engaged in consultations with stakeholders, including governors from the affected Nigerian states, to address the situation without resorting to military intervention.
El-Rufai’s stance adds to the voices urging restraint and diplomacy in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The call highlights the importance of preserving peaceful relationships among neighboring nations within the ECOWAS sub-region.
