AES Condemns Unauthorized Nigerian Military Aircraft Overflight

Ouagadougou, December 8, 2025 - The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has strongly condemned what it described as a violation of its confederal airspace after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft was forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso, western Burkina Faso, on Monday following an in-flight emergency.

In a press release issued the same day, the AES said the military aircraft, which was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all military personnel, had been operating in Burkinabe airspace without authorization.

According to the statement, an investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe authorities after the aircraft’s landing. Preliminary findings established that the plane did not have clearance to overfly Burkina Faso, prompting the Confederation to denounce the incident as a breach of sovereignty.

“The Confederation of Sahel States condemns in the strongest possible terms this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the statement said.

The AES further described the incident as a hostile act carried out in violation of international law and international civil and military aviation regulations. It added that measures are being taken to ensure the security of confederal airspace, safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, and protect civilian populations.

Acting on instructions from the Heads of State, the AES announced that its air and anti-aircraft defense forces have been placed on maximum alert, in line with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State of December 22, 2024.

Under these directives, AES defense forces are now authorized to neutralize any aircraft found violating the Confederation’s airspace, the statement warned.