Tensions are rising as the regional bloc, Confederation of Sahel States (AES), condemns what it describes as an unauthorized and serious violation of its confederal airspace after a Nigerian military aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the AES and signed by Mali’s transitional president and AES chairman, General Assimi Goïta, a Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso following an in-flight emergency. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine military passengers.
Burkinabe authorities immediately opened an investigation, which confirmed that the aircraft had no authorization to fly over Burkina Faso, a member state of the AES coalition that includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
“The Confederation of Sahel States condemns with the greatest firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the communiqué said.
AES leaders described the incident as an “unfriendly act” carried out in disregard of international aviation laws and military protocols. In response, the confederation announced heightened security measures to safeguard its airspace and territorial integrity.
The statement further revealed that AES air and anti-air defense systems have been placed on maximum alert. Under a December 2024 declaration by the College of Heads of State, member states’ defense forces have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft violating confederal airspace.
The development marks the latest episode in worsening tensions between the AES bloc and neighboring countries, particularly Nigeria, which has been at odds with the military-led governments over regional security and political transitions.
The Nigerian government had not issued a public statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
, condemns what it describes as an unauthorized and serious violation of its confederal airspace after a Nigerian military aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso on Monday. ){kind=link}