The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed shock and sadness over the tragic death of five peacekeepers killed in an AUSSOM helicopter crash at Mogadishu airport on Wednesday.
The aircraft was operated by the Ugandan contingent of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia.
Eight people were on board the aircraft whose crew was on a routine combat escort mission, a Ugandan army statement later said.
The AUC head Youssouf conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, to the government and people of Uganda, and to the entire AUSSOM family.
Youssouf affirmed 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”.
Meanwhile the impact of the crash had caused munitions on board to detonate, destroying nearby structures and injuring three civilians.
MG/as/APA