The African Union Commission (AUC) has confirmed the tragic deaths of five peacekeepers following a helicopter crash in Mogadishu, Somalia. The aircraft, operated by the Ugandan contingent under the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), went down at Aden Adde International Airport on Saturday, killing five of the eight people on board.
In an official statement, AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Government and people of Uganda. He also wished a swift and full recovery to the survivors, including civilians who sustained injuries in the crash.
“We deeply mourn the loss of our brave peacekeepers and stand in solidarity with their families and the AUSSOM community,” said Youssouf, reaffirming the AU’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. “Their sacrifice will not be in vain.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene described hearing a loud blast followed by flames and thick smoke billowing from the military section of the airport. “We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter. The smoke entirely covered the helicopter,” said Farah Abdulle, an airport staff member.
The Somali Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the helicopter had arrived from Balidogle Airbase in the Lower Shabelle region before crashing during landing. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and an investigation has been launched to determine what led to the fatal incident.
The fire that broke out following the crash was quickly contained by emergency services, according to Somalia’s state-run news agency.
Ugandan troops are a critical part of the AU mission supporting Somalia’s government in its long-standing battle against al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militants. The AU peacekeeping force, now operating under AUSSOM, continues to face immense challenges as it works to stabilize the country after decades of conflict.
The loss of the five peacekeepers is a somber reminder of the risks faced by those serving in volatile regions. The African Union has pledged continued support to ensure peace efforts in Somalia endure, despite the tragic setback.
