Burkina Faso accuses Nigerian Air Force of violating its airspace

Burkina Faso Accuses Nigerian Air Force of Violating Its Airspace

In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the growing tensions in West Africa, Burkina Faso has accused the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of violating its airspace.

The incident unfolded when a Nigerian military C-130 aircraft, en route to Portugal, made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second-largest city.

According to Burkinabè authorities, the aircraft entered their airspace without prior authorization, prompting immediate security concerns.

Burkina Faso’s Territorial Administration Minister, Emile Zerbo, confirmed that the plane’s entry was unauthorized. A joint statement issued by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, described the landing as a violation of sovereignty and an “unfriendly act.” The AES further announced that their air forces had been placed on maximum alert, with orders to neutralize any aircraft found breaching their airspace.

On board the aircraft were two crew members and nine Nigerian military officers, who were briefly detained before being released and allowed to return to Nigeria.

The Nigerian Air Force, however, offered a different account. It explained that the aircraft experienced a technical problem mid-flight, necessitating an emergency landing at the nearest available airfield in Burkina Faso.

Nigerian authorities emphasized that the crew was treated cordially and assured the public that safety procedures had been followed. Plans were reportedly underway to resume the mission to Portugal once the technical issues were resolved.

This incident comes against the backdrop of heightened political and military tensions in the region. Analysts have linked the episode to Nigeria’s recent leadership role in deploying troops and jets to Benin under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), following an attempted coup there. 

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had earlier withdrawn from Ecowas, citing political and security grievances, and have since distanced themselves from Western powers while strengthening ties with Russia.

The clash of narratives between Nigeria and the AES highlights the fragile state of regional diplomacy. While Nigeria insists the landing was a matter of safety, the AES views it as a deliberate breach of sovereignty.

This divergence not only exposes the mistrust between Ecowas and the AES but also raises questions about the future of regional cooperation in West Africa.

The incident is emblematic of the fractured political landscape in the Sahel, where military-led governments are increasingly asserting independence from traditional alliances. 

It also illustrates the risks of miscommunication and mistrust in a region already destabilized by coups, insurgencies, and shifting geopolitical allegiances.