Nigeria and the Sahel: A growing security divide
Diplomatic tensions are rising between Nigeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS. Analysts suggest that the regional security divide, exacerbated by political instability, is hindering collective efforts to combat armed groups.
Why it matters
The fragmentation of regional security blocs in West Africa threatens to undermine counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability.
A widening diplomatic rift is complicating efforts to confront a shared cross-border security threat.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Security cooperation in the Sahel has become increasingly fragmented as regional governments pursue different approaches to fighting armed groups [File: Philippe Desmazes/AFP] By Mubarak Aliyu Published On 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 Abuja, Nigeria – In December 2025, Burkina Faso detained 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel after their C-130 transport aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso while travelling to Portugal for scheduled maintenance.
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