Key Takeaways
- The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has rejected President Bola Tinubu's claim that instability in the Sahel is worsening Nigeria's security crisis
- The AES summoned Nigeria's chargé d'affaires to protest Tinubu's remarks
- The bloc comprises Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have recently formed a separate political and security bloc
The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has fired back at President Bola Tinubu over his claim that instability in the Sahel was worsening Nigeria's security crisis. The AES authorities rejected Tinubu's assessment outright, calling it inaccurate and dismissive of the sacrifices of Sahelian armies and civilians.
Speaking on behalf of the bloc, Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, said the four countries were victims of the same scourge. He noted that Niger had confronted Boko Haram long before violence spread to Mali and Burkina Faso, and argued that Tinubu's remarks overlooked history.
Background and Context
The latest spat adds to years of strained relations since Tinubu assumed ECOWAS chairmanship in 2023. The bloc had imposed sanctions on Niger after the coup and threatened military intervention, measures that failed to restore civilian rule and were later lifted. Relations deteriorated further when Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger quit ECOWAS and formed the AES as a separate political and security bloc.
The three countries have since pivoted toward Russia for security cooperation, while Nigeria remains ECOWAS' leading power and continues to push for regional counter-terrorism collaboration. Tensions also flared in December 2025 after Burkina Faso detained 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel whose C-130 aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso en route to Portugal for maintenance.
Why This Matters
The diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States has significant implications for regional security and cooperation in West Africa. As the AES and ECOWAS continue to navigate their complex relationships, it is crucial for both sides to engage in constructive dialogue to address the shared security challenges facing the region, rather than fuelling misunderstandings and frustrations that can exacerbate the crisis.