The heart of the matter lies in the schism between the AES nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), long championed by Nigeria.
By Peter Imini
The recent detention of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its crew in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, is more than a routine aviation incident. It is a glaring symptom of the deepening political fissures in West Africa, revealing an alleged hostility from Burkina Faso’s military junta toward Nigeria. This tension is rooted in the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and Nigeria’s pivotal role in preserving regional stability, notably in thwarting a coup in Benin Republic.
According to the AES statement, the Nigerian aircraft violated its airspace, prompting a forced landing and a stern warning about neutralizing future violators. However, the Nigerian Air Force’s account paints a different picture: a technical emergency necessitating a precautionary landing under international safety protocols. The crew, it stated, was treated cordially. Yet, conflicting reports of their detention and the seizure of the aircraft suggest a troubling escalation. This move is widely interpreted not as a legitimate security response, but as a political retaliation.
The heart of the matter lies in the schism between the AES nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), long championed by Nigeria. The formation of the AES following ECOWAS suspensions was a bold declaration of defiance. Nigeria, as a traditional regional leader and a key actor in upholding ECOWAS principles, is seen as the primary adversary by the juntas. The alleged hostility intensified with the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic, a strategic neighbour. Reports indicate Nigerian intelligence and diplomatic support were crucial in aborting that takeover, a move that would have significantly bolstered the AES bloc. For Burkina Faso’s junta, this Nigerian intervention was a direct setback to their expansionist ambitions, fueling resentment.
This context transforms the aircraft incident from a procedural issue into a geopolitical message. By allegedly detaining the Nigerian personnel and impounding the aircraft, Burkina Faso’s regime is signaling its willingness to challenge Nigeria and flout established international norms, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules that protect distressed aircraft. It is a performative act of sovereignty aimed at its domestic audience and AES partners, showcasing defiance against what it perceives as Nigerian hegemony.
However, this alleged hostility is fraught with contradictions and risks. Firstly, it undermines the very aviation safety protocols that protect all nations, including AES members. Secondly, Burkina Faso maintains an embassy in Abuja, benefiting from diplomatic protections that its actions seem to disregard, creating an unsustainable double standard. Most ironically, while Burkina Faso confronts Nigeria, its AES ally, Niger, continues joint military operations with Nigerian forces against common threats like ISWAP in the border regions. This inconsistency exposes the isolationist and politically driven nature of Ouagadougou’s stance.
For Nigeria, the path forward requires calibrated firmness. While diplomatic channels must be vigorously engaged to secure the unconditional release of personnel and assets, the nation must also lead in reaffirming the inviolability of international aviation law. ECOWAS, though weakened, must articulate a unified position that distinguishes political disagreement from the essential frameworks that guarantee regional safety and cooperation.
The incident in Bobo-Dioulasso is a stark reminder that the fragmentation of West Africa carries real-world consequences. It moves beyond summit declarations and into the realm of grounded aircraft and detained soldiers. Burkina Faso’s actions, whether born of genuine grievance or political posturing, threaten to replace structured dialogue with volatile brinkmanship. As the region navigates this turbulent phase, the imperative remains to prevent political hostility from compromising the shared safety and security upon which all nations, regardless of alliance, fundamentally depend.