08/12/2025
STATEMENT OF THE CONFEDERATION OF SAHEL STATES (AES) REGARDING THE VIOLATION OF CONFEDERAL AIRSPACE
The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, 8 December 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an emergency situation during flight while flying in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (02) crew members and nine (09) passengers on board, all of whom were military personnel.
An investigation was immediately opened by the relevant Burkinabe authorities, which revealed that the military aircraft did not have authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory.
The Confederation of Sahel States strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.
In response to this hostile act, which shows contempt for international law and international civil and/or military aviation rules, measures are being taken to guarantee the security of the confederation's airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES Confederation.
In response to this hostile act, which was carried out in defiance of international law and international civil and/or military aviation rules, measures are being taken to ensure the security of the confederation's airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES Confederation.
In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the air and anti-aircraft defences of the confederal airspace, placed on high alert in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated 22 December 2024, have been authorised to neutralise any aircraft that violates confederal airspace.