Burkina Faso has freed 11 members of the Nigerian Air Force, including pilots and crew, just nine days after they were detained, as a result of high-ranking diplomatic efforts from the Nigerian government, which eased tensions that could have led to a larger diplomatic conflict between the two neighboring countries in West Africa.
This development occurred soon after a Nigerian delegation, spearheaded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, wrapped up discussions in Ouagadougou, during which they engaged with Burkina Faso’s military chief, President Ibrahim Traoré.
The delegation consisted of high-ranking individuals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the NAF Headquarters, tasked with seeking a peaceful outcome through discussions.
According to security expert Zagazola Makama, who referenced a knowledgeable senior official regarding the discussions, the focus was on reducing tensions, building confidence, and securing the release of those detained while reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to international aviation standards, military guidelines, and regional collaboration.
The official noted that the visit highlighted Nigeria’s inclination towards diplomatic solutions and neighborly relations, describing it as a strategic approach to enhance trust and affirm collective responsibilities in confronting the intricate security issues prevalent in the Sahel region.
Increased insecurity in the Sahel heightens diplomatic concerns
This incident unfolded within a delicate regional context characterized by escalating insecurity and political tumult throughout the Sahel.
Military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have decided to withdraw from ECOWAS and establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which has created tensions with nations like Nigeria that continue to support the regional organization.
Burkina Faso initially apprehended eleven members of the military who were on the Nigerian Air Force C-130 that made an unscheduled emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso without prior authorization, a decision that Burkinabè officials termed as an infringement of sovereignty.
The Nigerian Air Force explained that the landing was a safety-related emergency landing due to a technical difficulty and was carried out according to established safety standards and international aviation regulations.
Recent security concerns, including a rumored failed coup attempt in Benin, have added to the existing tensions, highlighting the instability in the area.In this scenario, the detention of Nigerian military members threatened to lead to a diplomatic crisis, especially considering ongoing issues following the AES countries’ departure from ECOWAS.
After a meeting, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar mentioned that Nigeria and Burkina Faso have a history of strong ties and shared security interests, pointing out that the discussions were focused on improving mutual understanding and good neighborliness.
“We shared insights about collaboration in various areas. We also talked about the Nigerian plane that landed in Burkina Faso under emergency conditions,” Tuggar stated.
He recognized that there were issues with the authorization for the aircraft’s access to Burkinabè airspace, expressing Nigeria’s sorrow over the occurrence while maintaining Abuja’s commitment to respecting Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation standards.
The minister further clarified that the Federal Government did not support claims made by a political party official in Nigeria regarding the ill-treatment of Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso.
“We distinctly separate ourselves from those statements and extend our heartfelt apologies to the government of Burkina Faso,” Tuggar remarked.
Experts indicate that the quick diplomatic efforts played a key role in easing tensions and averting the situation from escalating into a significant issue affecting Nigeria–Burkina Faso relations, citing the historical cooperation between the two nations in areas concerning security and counterterrorism.
