The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has given a hard-hitting warning to its neighbours, authorising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic to shoot down any aircraft that enters their airspace without approval.
The explosive directive followed AES’ accusation that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft carrying 11 soldiers illegally breached Burkina Faso’s airspace on December 8.
Signed by Mali junta leader Assimi Goita, the statement declared that AES air-defence systems are now on maximum alert.
“In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the Arian and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederal space put on maximum alert, in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated December 22, 2024, were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space,” the statement said.
Goita slammed the alleged intrusion as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law,” warning that the bloc has moved to fortify its skies.
The NAF aircraft was reportedly headed to Benin Republic to help track fleeing coup plotters, a mission approved by President Bola Tinubu after Benin requested aerial surveillance and intelligence support.
But questions now rises over whether the mission crossed into Burkina Faso, a country northwest of Benin, a move AES considers a direct provocation.
With tensions rising and the Sahel bloc digging in, the region’s airspace has suddenly become a potential flashpoint.
