The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Dlamini Nkosazana-Zuma, is deeply saddened by the news of the tragic helicopter crash carrying General Jacob Kodji and other senior military personnel of the Cameroonian Defence Forces, near the village of Bogo in northern Cameroon. The General and his team were on a mission to track down Boko Haram insurgents.

The Chairperson pays her tribute to those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. Until his demise, General Kodji was one of the senior officials playing a leading role in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group, whose atrocities have caused thousands of refugees and millions of internally displaced persons, as well as widespread destruction in the Lake Chad Basin area. His valor, professionalism, and determination in the fight against this insurgency was exemplary. As such, he will always be remembered for his vital contribution to the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force comprising of the Lack Chad Basin states, plus Benin, which is engaged in combating the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.

The Chairperson of the Commission pays her condolences to the families of General Kodji and other military personnel that lost their lives in this tragedy. She expresses her deepest commiseration to the Government and people of the Republic of Cameroon for these huge losses. The Commission remains in solidarity with them and their departure is not in vain, but rather a sacrifice that has left an indelible mark in the search for peace and security in the region.

May the Souls of the departed rest in Peace.