The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stepped in to resolve the growing diplomatic tension surrounding the Nigerian Air Force C 130 aircraft detained by the government of Burkina Faso.
The Confederation of Sahel States AES, in a statement signed by Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goita, alleged that the NAF aircraft violated Burkina Faso’s airspace by entering without clearance. The Nigerian Air Force however maintains that the aircraft only made a precautionary landing in Bobo Dioulasso due to a technical issue.
AES comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic was formed after the three countries withdrew from ECOWAS following the regional body’s stance against their military juntas.
According to reliable sources, although the NAF aircraft complied with international aviation protocols, the AES states appear to be leveraging the situation as retaliation for Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS sanctions against them. This has triggered high level diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
A senior official revealed that the aircraft had been prepared to continue its flight to Portugal on Tuesday but the Burkinabe authorities gave unclear signals, prompting further diplomatic efforts.
Responding to inquiries, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, refuted earlier claims that the detained aircraft and military personnel had been released. He confirmed that diplomatic discussions were ongoing to secure their freedom.
“They have not been released as we speak but we are working to secure that. We are engaging the Burkina Faso authorities through the usual diplomatic channels,” he stated.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier clarified that the emergency landing on Monday followed a technical observation shortly after take off from Lagos. The service emphasized that the crew acted in line with safety procedures and international aviation rules. The personnel were reported safe and treated respectfully by local authorities.
Despite initial plans to resume the flight to Portugal, the Burkinabe government declined clearance for the aircraft’s departure.
Reports from Burkina Faso’s national information agency indicated that the aircraft was carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel including two crew members and nine passengers when it landed unexpectedly.
Officials of AES insisted the aircraft lacked the required overflight authorization, describing the incident as a violation of national sovereignty. They further warned that their air and anti aircraft defenses were now on high alert and that future violations would be met with force.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic negotiations continue.
