The Alliance for Sahel States (AES) — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic — has accused Nigeria of violating its sovereign airspace after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. The aircraft, carrying 11 military personnel, reportedly entered Burkinabè airspace without proper clearance.
Burkina Faso authorities launched an investigation and concluded that the NAF aircraft lacked authorisation, prompting the AES to describe the incident as an “unfriendly act” and a breach of international aviation protocols.
The bloc announced that its air and anti-aircraft defences are now on maximum alert and may neutralise any future unauthorised aircraft.
This development heightens tensions following Nigeria’s recent role in foiling a coup attempt in Benin — a move the AES considers external interference, deepening the divide since the bloc withdrew from ECOWAS earlier in 2025.
#Nigeria #AES #BurkinaFaso #NAF #Aviation #WestAfrica #Security #ECOWAS #Sahel #BreakingNews
