THE Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has criticised the emergency landing of a Nigerian military aircraft within Burkinabe territory, describing the incident as a violation of its airspace.
In a joint statement released on yesterday through state media across the three countries, the alliance said the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, which was carrying 11 military personnel, entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without authorisation before it was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso due to an in-flight emergency.
According to the statement, the aircraft’s presence without prior clearance was considered an unfriendly act, prompting the three nations to place their air forces on maximum alert.
The alliance also authorised its forces to neutralise any aircraft that breaches the confederation’s airspace in the future.
The statement did not provide details about the condition or status of the 11 personnel onboard the plane.
The AES countries, all governed by military regimes and engaged in prolonged battles against jihadist insurgents, have had tense relations with regional neighbours. Earlier in January, they withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formalised their own security alliance.
The bloc has also shifted away from Western partnerships—particularly distancing itself from France while strengthening ties with Russia.