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The 2020 African Express Airways Brasilia crash was an aviation accident involving an African Express Airways Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia that was on approach to Berdale on a chartered cargo flight from Baidoa Airport, Somalia on 4 May 2020 when it was allegedly shot down by ground troops of the Ethiopian National Defense Force.[1] All six occupants, four non-revenue passengers and two crew, were killed.[2] The plane was carrying medical supplies to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic in Somalia, as well as mosquito nets.[3][4]
_(2).jpg) 5Y-AXO, the aircraft involved in 2014. | |
| Airliner shootdown | |
|---|---|
| Date | 4 May 2020 |
| Summary | Allegedly shot down by Ethiopian National Defense Force |
| Site | Berdale, Somalia |
| Aircraft | |
| Aircraft type | Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia |
| Operator | African Express Airways |
| Registration | 5Y-AXO |
| Flight origin | Baidoa Airport, Baidoa, Somalia |
| Destination | Berdale Airfield, Berdale, Somalia |
| Occupants | 6 |
| Passengers | 4 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Fatalities | 6 |
| Survivors | 0 |
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According to a one-page African Union peacekeeping force incident report that was leaked on Twitter on 10 May, Ethiopian troops not affiliated with the peacekeeping mission fired on the aircraft because it made a non-standard approach from the west instead of the east, and it exhibited an irregular flight path, leading the troops to conclude that it may be engaged in a suicide attack; the report cited a "lack of communication and awareness" by the Ethiopian troops. However, officials emphasized that the report contains readily apparent contradictions and factual errors, and Smaïl Chergui, the African Union Peace and Security Commissioner, said that the peacekeeping force lacks the expertise to conclusively determine the cause of the crash; a joint accident investigation by officials from Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya was initiated, with preliminary findings expected in 45 days.[3]
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The investigation stalled due to geopolitical tensions among Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, exacerbated by regional conflicts and issues related to Ethiopian troops' unauthorized presence in Somalia. Efforts to produce a comprehensive report have been hampered by differing narratives from the involved countries. Families of the victims have repeatedly called for an independent international inquiry to provide accountability and justice.[5]
Meanwhile, the crash highlighted the complex security dynamics in Somalia and the risks posed by the presence of foreign troops outside official mandates. Discussions at the African Union and the United Nations have included calls for greater oversight of military operations by foreign forces within Somalia.[6]
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