By: Okoi Obono-Obla The military junta of Burkina Faso has taken a drastic and, I dare say, a brazen attempt to dramatize and sp...
By: Okoi Obono-Obla
The military junta of Burkina Faso has taken a drastic and, I dare say, a brazen attempt to dramatize and spite Nigeria, by detaining an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force that landed in one of its airports under an emergency situation on Sunday, 7 December 2025. It was the Burkina Faso authorities that breached the norms of international air law by detaining the aircraft, its crew, and passengers.
The Nigerian Air Force plane had landed in Burkina Faso as a result of a technical problem that developed while airborne en route to Portugal. Under international aviation law, particularly the Chicago Convention of 1944, the rights and obligations of states are clearly established. Article 25 of the Convention provides that when an aircraft is in distress, states shall permit it to land and render assistance to passengers and crew. Article 5 further recognizes the right of non‑scheduled flights to make emergency landings without prior authorization, provided safety is at stake.
By detaining the Nigerian aircraft, Burkina Faso violated these provisions and undermined the spirit of international cooperation in civil aviation. When an aircraft is airborne and develops a technical problem requiring an emergency landing, the safety of its crew and passengers takes precedence over political considerations. International law obliges states to allow such landings and to provide necessary assistance. The detention of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft therefore represents not only a breach of the Chicago Convention but also a disregard for humanitarian norms and the sanctity of international airspace protocols.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of politicizing aviation emergencies. The Chicago Convention was designed to ensure safety, cooperation, and respect among nations in the skies. Nigeria, and indeed the international community, must insist on adherence to these principles to prevent future violations. The question remains: who will protect Nigeria's air sovereignty?
The Burkina Faso authorities' actions are a clear indication of their disregard for international law and their willingness to prioritize politics over human safety. This is a worrying trend that must be addressed by the international community. Nigeria must take swift and decisive action to protect its air sovereignty and ensure that its aircraft, crew, and passengers are treated with respect and dignity.
The international community must also take cognizance of Burkina Faso's actions and hold them accountable for their breach of international law. The Chicago Convention is a cornerstone of international aviation law, and its provisions must be respected by all signatory states.
In conclusion, Burkina Faso's detention of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft is a brazen breach of international law and a threat to Nigeria's air sovereignty. Nigeria must take swift action to protect its interests and ensure that its aircraft, crew, and passengers are treated with respect and dignity. The international community must also hold Burkina Faso accountable for their actions and ensure that the principles of the Chicago Convention are respected.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla
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