A Nigerian C-130 military aircraft violated the airspace of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following the violation, Burkinabè fighter jets forced the aircraft to land at Bobo-Dioulasso airport. The incident was confirmed on ORTM (Malian state television).
In a statement issued late Monday, AES said the C-130 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force was forced to land due to an in-flight emergency while flying over Burkinabe territory without clearance.
In reaction, Colonel Assimi Goïta, President of the AES Confederation, has just authorized the systematic shoot-down of any aircraft that violates the airspace of the Confederation without prior authorization. A new demonstration of force from the AES countries against Nigeria and ECOWAS.
The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all currently under military rule. Authorities disclosed that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were later identified as Nigerian military officers.
The 11 individuals are presently being held by Burkinabe authorities. The regional bloc strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of its airspace and national sovereignty. An investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized entry. In response, the AES announced that the armed forces of its three member states have been placed on maximum alert.
The bloc further stated that air defense and anti-aircraft systems across the confederation have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates its airspace. The alliance described the incident as an unfriendly act carried out in breach of international aviation laws and warned that strict measures are now in place to safeguard its territorial integrity and civilian population.
However, in its weak denial the Nigerian Defense News Handle: “Despite overthrowing their civilian government and quitting ECOWAS, Burkina Faso has utterly failed to get a grip on its deadly insurgency. In fact, things have gotten worse, with Sahel militants expanding their activities and territorial control. Yet somehow, the junta is inching toward a pointless showdown with Nigeria.
“The claim that Burkina Faso forced a Nigerian transport aircraft to land is beyond ridiculous. Both military and commercial aircraft routinely divert to alternate airports, including those in other countries during technical emergencies. It’s standard aviation procedure, not an act of bravado. But Ibrahim Traore, the best propaganda artist among African heads of state, would never miss a chance to milk such an incident for all it’s worth.”
This has gathered enough criticism for the ruling administration incompetence and alleged conspiracy.