….Abuja opts for diplomacy as talks open in Ouagadougou
Nigeria has taken a decisive diplomatic step to resolve the detention of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew in Burkina Faso, dispatching a high-level delegation to Ouagadougou for direct engagement with the Burkinabè authorities.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, includes senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters. It is expected to hold peaceful, face-to-face talks with Burkina Faso’s leadership, including President Ibrahim Traoré, in a bid to secure the release of the detained personnel, who have been held for nine days.
A senior official familiar with the mission said the visit is aimed at de-escalating tensions, building mutual understanding and reinforcing long-standing ties between both countries.
“This mission underscores Nigeria’s preference for dialogue and neighbourly engagement. It is a confidence-building effort designed to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in tackling the region’s complex security challenges,” the source said.
According to the official, the delegation is also conveying Abuja’s continued commitment to regional security cooperation and strict adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso — alongside other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — share a history of collaboration in security training, counter-terrorism operations and regional stabilisation, particularly against violent extremism across the Sahel.
Officials expressed optimism that the talks would lead to a peaceful resolution of the matter, deepen bilateral understanding and reinforce collective efforts to promote stability and security in West Africa.
As diplomatic engagements continue in Ouagadougou, Abuja’s message is clear: dialogue, mutual respect and regional solidarity remain the preferred path to resolving disputes in a fragile and security-challenged region.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
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