Tensions between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have escalated after a Nigerian military aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in western Burkina Faso. The incident has triggered a sharp warning from the AES bloc, made up of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which says it will “neutralise” any unauthorised aircraft entering its airspace going forward.
The alliance claims the region has become increasingly vulnerable to external interference and insists that all military flights must receive prior clearance. Abuja has yet to issue a detailed response, but the warning adds new strain to already fragile relations, especially following the political realignments that have taken place across the Sahel since a wave of military takeovers.
The emergency landing, the details of which remain limited, has amplified suspicions within the AES, which has positioned itself against what it views as violations of its sovereignty. Analysts say the rhetoric marks another step in the alliance’s attempts to assert strict control over regional security.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic channels expected to be tested as both sides navigate the fallout.
