War Is Easy to Start but Hard to End — Tinubu Explains Why He Rejected Bloodshed in Burkina Faso
War is often swift. Peace is always hard won. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently reminded the world of this truth. He chose diplomacy over conflict in a tense standoff with Burkina Faso. He said, “War is easy to start and hard to end, that is the reason why I choose not to shed innocent blood.” His decision marked a bold statement about Nigeria’s role in regional affairs. It also reaffirmed his commitment to solving disputes through dialogue and restraint.
Mere days earlier, Burkina Faso had detained a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 crew and its 11 personnel following an emergency landing. The situation quickly drew attention. Many expected the dispute to escalate. Instead, it was diffused by skilled negotiators. This episode highlights why wise leadership matters. And it underscores why Tinubu chose peace over fire.
In this article, you’ll get the full story — from the initial crisis to the diplomatic breakthrough, the reaction from leaders, the implications for West Africa, and what this means for the future of peace in the Sahel.
How the Crisis Began
On December 8, 2025, a Nigerian Air Force C‑130 aircraft carrying 11 crew members was forced to land in Bobo‑Dioulasso, Burkina Faso because of a technical malfunction during flight. According to the Nigerian government, it was a precautionary landing carried out following standard aviation safety protocols. Nonetheless, Burkina Faso’s military authorities described the incident as a violation of their airspace. ([Gazette NG])
Soon after the landing, the 11 crew members and their aircraft were detained by Burkinabè forces. The development risked straining relations between the two nations. It also threatened peace across the region, as tensions were already high due to previous security challenges and political disagreements among West African states. ([Gazette NG])
Initially, public opinion in Nigeria was sharply divided. Some voices suggested that only force would secure the release of the detained crew. One senator even called for Nigeria not to rule out military options if needed. ([Vanguard])
However, the government — led by President Tinubu — chose a different path. Instead of escalation, Abuja emphasized dialogue, negotiation, and de-escalation.
Diplomacy Takes Centre Stage
President Tinubu immediately tasked his top diplomats with managing the situation. He appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar to lead a high-level delegation to Burkina Faso. The team’s mission was clear: reopen channels of communication and seek a peaceful resolution. ([TVC News])
Upon arrival in Ouagadougou, the Nigerian team met with Burkinabè leaders, including junta head Captain Ibrahim Traoré. In those talks, they addressed the aircraft incident and wider bilateral relations. Tensions were high, yet both sides agreed to use calm and mutual respect as their tools. Talks quickly shifted from blame to understanding, laying the groundwork for an agreement. ([Africanews])
The delegation also delivered a message of solidarity and goodwill from President Tinubu. The president’s message stressed peace, respect for sovereignty, and the importance of regional cooperation. The aim was not only to secure the crew’s release but also to build trust for the future.
A Breakthrough Achieved
After sustained diplomatic dialogue, the Burkinabè authorities agreed to release the 11 Nigerian Air Force personnel. The aircraft and crew were cleared and allowed to leave Burkina Faso’s airspace. On December 19, 2025, the crew landed safely in Accra, Ghana, where they continued their journey. ([Sahara Reporters])
This outcome marked a turning point in the diplomatic effort. It was achieved without weapons, threats, or violence. It was, instead, secured by conversation and patience.
Following the release, Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry thanked all parties involved. Officials emphasized how continued dialogue prevented unnecessary bloodshed and preserved stability. Both nations also agreed to sustain regular consultations to strengthen cooperation and avoid similar incidents. ([West African Pilot])
Why Tinubu Shunned War
President Tinubu’s choice to refuse military force was rooted in principle and foresight. He has often spoken about the grave costs of war. His exact words in this case were clear: war is easy to start but hard to end. It was precisely this reasoning — coupled with his desire to avoid shedding innocent blood — that guided his decision.
Instead of sacrificing lives for pride or politics, Tinubu chose patience and negotiation. This choice reflected a broader philosophy: peace is not merely the absence of battle, but the presence of justice and cooperation.
Nigeria’s stance also signaled to the wider region that force isn’t always the answer. It reminded African leaders that dialogue, not guns, builds lasting peace. For more insights on Nigerian leadership, read our DocuNews Central coverage on leadership principles.
The Regional Context — ECOWAS and the Sahel
The crisis unfolded against a backdrop of shifting geopolitics in West Africa. Over the past years, several countries — including Burkina Faso — distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS remains a major regional bloc dedicated to peace, democracy, and economic integration. However, recent coups and political upheavals have strained its unity. ([PM News])
Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has persistently called for dialogue and cooperation even among countries that chose to leave the bloc. He believes that regional unity and joint problem-solving are more effective than isolation. ([PM News])
The Burkina Faso incident highlighted these tensions. But it also showed that even in stressful moments, diplomacy can produce positive outcomes. While some voices in the region still call for stronger postures, the Nigerian government demonstrated that understanding and respect build peace more securely than pressure or threats.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Leadership
President Tinubu’s handling of this crisis has had significant implications for how Nigeria is viewed both regionally and globally. First, it showcased Nigeria’s willingness to act as a mediator rather than an aggressor. Second, it reinforced the idea that African leadership should be rooted in negotiation and respect for national dignity. And third, it highlighted Nigeria’s capacity to influence outcomes without resorting to conflict.
This approach contrasts with the perception that military might is the default option. Instead, Tinubu’s stance elevated the value of diplomacy, especially in a region where fragile peace structures often face strain.
Responses from Leaders and Analysts
The president’s decision has been met with mixed reactions at home and abroad. Many political and military analysts praised Tinubu for choosing restraint. They argued that diplomacy prevented needless escalation and maintained regional peace. Others expressed concern that more assertive measures might have secured the release faster. Despite this, the final outcome demonstrated that patience can be a powerful diplomatic tool.
International voices also acknowledged Nigeria’s approach. Leaders across Africa lauded the peaceful resolution. Some noted that this incident could serve as a model for resolving interstate disputes across the continent.
What Comes Next?
In the aftermath of the crisis, both countries have pledged to strengthen diplomatic and security ties. They agreed on joint efforts to bolster cooperation in areas such as defence, trade, and aviation safety.
Nigeria continues to engage regional partners through existing frameworks like ECOWAS and sub-regional dialogues. These efforts aim to prevent future misunderstandings and build frameworks for mutual respect and harmony.
This episode also offers valuable lessons for Africa’s youth, policymakers, and regional bodies: peace must be pursued even when conflict seems easy. History shows that once war begins, its end is rarely neat or swift. Learn more about Nigeria’s security and anti-narcotics strategies through this DocuNews Central report.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s choice to pursue peace in the Burkina Faso crisis was more than a decision; it was a statement. It underscored that rational dialogue can avert conflict even in the most tense moments. It demonstrated that leadership grounded in peace, respect, and foresight can yield outcomes far more lasting than the temporary glare of war.
War may be easy to start, but peace is always a greater achievement. And in this case, diplomacy won.
