Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union (AU) is mourning five peacekeepers of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) who died in a helicopter crash in Somalia on Wednesday.
A press release posted on the website of the AU said the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed his profound sorrow at the tragic loss of the five peacekeepers following the crash of an AUSSOM helicopter operated by the Ugandan contingent in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 2 July 2025.
“The Chairperson conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, to the Government and people of the Republic of Uganda, and to the entire AUSSOM family. He wishes a swift and full recovery to all those injured, including civilians,” it said.
Mr. Youssouf affirmed the AU's commitment to ensuring that the “sacrifice of these brave peacekeepers continues to advance the cause of peace, stability, and security in Somalia”.
News reports quoted Ugandan military spokesman, Major General Felix Kulaigye, as saying the pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer survived with serious injuries and burns.
-0- PANA MA 3July2025
