, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic helicopter crash){kind=link}
AUC Chairperson Speaks After Ugandan Army Helicopter Crashes in Somalia
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic helicopter crash involving the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The accident claimed the lives of five peacekeepers on July 2, 2025, in Mogadishu.
The helicopter, operated by the Ugandan contingent, went down during operations in Somalia’s capital, killing five soldiers and leaving several others, including civilians, injured.
According to Ugandan military spokesman Maj Gen Felix Kulaigye, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived but sustained serious injuries and severe burns.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Chairperson Youssouf conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of Uganda, and the entire AUSSOM community.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses his profound sorrow at the tragic loss of 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,” read part of the statement.
Youssouf also wished a swift and full recovery to those injured and reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering commitment to peace and security in Somalia.
“He wishes a swift and full recovery to all those injured, including civilians. Mr. Youssouf affirms the African Union’s commitment to ensuring that the sacrifice of these brave peacekeepers continues to advance the cause of peace, stability, and security in Somalia,” the statement continued.
AU Mission in Somalia
The AU’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia plays a critical role in counter-terrorism operations and supporting the country’s governance reforms.
Ugandan troops are part of an 11,000-strong AU force assisting the Somali government in fighting the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group, which has waged a bloody insurgency in Somalia for over two decades.
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AUC Chairperson Speaks After Ugandan Army Helicopter Crashes in Somalia