MOGADISHU, Somalia — A tragic military helicopter crash involving the African Union peacekeeping mission occurred Wednesday in Mogadishu, resulting in the deaths of five Ugandan soldiers, as stated by Ugandan military officials. The Mi-24 helicopter, which confronted challenges while landing, was transporting eight people from a different airfield situated in the Lower Shabelle region to the main airport in the capital city. Originally owned by the Ugandan Air Force, the helicopter was designated for operation under the auspices of the African Union’s mission in Somalia.
The Ugandan military released a statement confirming that the helicopter was engaged in “a routine combat escort mission.” Despite the fatal incident, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer managed to survive, albeit with significant injuries and burns. In the aftermath, the director-general of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, informed state media that a thorough investigation has commenced to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Omar Farah, an aviation officer who was quick to arrive at the crash site, described the unsettling scene to reporters, observing how the helicopter was “spinning before it plummeted rapidly.” Another eyewitness, resident Abdirahim Ali, recounted witnessing “a massive explosion and smoke engulfing the area.”
As a result of the incident, Aden Adde airport faced minor delays, but normal operations and flights resumed shortly thereafter. The African Union peacekeeping mission, known as AUSSOM, is an initiative that supports Somali government efforts to combat al-Shabab, a rebel group staunchly opposed to foreign military presence in Somalia.
The peacekeeping forces consist of troops from multiple countries, notably Uganda and Kenya, highlighting a collective effort to stabilize the region. This tragic crash underscores the critical yet challenging work of peacekeepers in the area.