The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has warned that it will neutralize any aircraft that violates its airspace following what it described as an incursion by a Nigerian military aircraft.
In an official statement, the AES said a Nigerian Air Force C-130 made an unauthorized emergency landing in Burkina Faso. An investigation by Burkinabe authorities concluded that the landing was not cleared in advance.
The bloc condemned the incident “in the strongest terms,” calling it an unfriendly act and accusing Nigeria of disregarding international civil and military aviation rules.
The AES said its air defense authorities are now authorized to act against any aircraft that enters confederal airspace without permission.
The Confederation of Sahel States was formed by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in July 2024 under the Liptako-Gourma Charter, following the creation of their security alliance in 2023.
The three countries have since withdrawn from ECOWAS and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) as part of a broader shift in their foreign and security policy.