The Sahel States Alliance (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) announced that it has raised its air defenses to the highest state of alert, granting authorization to “neutralize” any aircraft that breaches its airspace.
The move comes after a Nigerian military aircraft made an emergency landing at Bobo-Dioulasso Airport in Burkina Faso.
In a statement issued by its rotating president, General Assimi Goïta, the Confederation described the incident as a “blatant violation” of sovereignty and international law.
An immediate investigation found that the aircraft — a C130 carrying 11 military personnel — had no authorization to fly through Burkinabe airspace.
This escalation unfolds amid heightened regional tensions, following Nigeria’s decision — at the official request of Benin — to provide military and air support to counter a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon.
The episode highlights the widening rift between the Sahel bloc and security initiatives driven by Nigeria and other ECOWAS members.
