The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic helicopter crash involving the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which 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, resulting in the death of the peacekeepers and leaving several others, including civilians, injured.
According to Ugandan military spokesman Maj Gen Felix Kulaigye, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived with serious injuries and severe burns.
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, Youssouf conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of Uganda, and the broader AUSSOM community.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali, 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,” the statement read in part.
Quick recovery
He also wished a swift and full recovery to all those injured in the incident and reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the mission’s objectives 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 read.
AU mission in Somalia
The African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia plays a critical role in counter-terrorism efforts and supporting Somalia’s path toward lasting peace and governance reform.
Ugandan troops are part of an 11,000-strong AU force helping the government fight the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group, which has been waging a brutal insurgency in Somalia for more than two decades.
