A civilian helicopter chartered by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) crashed in Benin on Friday, January 10, 2025, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou.
The Sikorsky S-61 helicopter experienced a partial mechanical failure while flying near Cotonou, forcing it to make an emergency landing in the Sedje-Denou district, located in southern Benin. Despite the difficulties, no injuries were reported.
The helicopter had been providing medical evacuation support to the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB) under a memorandum of understanding with AFRICOM, aimed at fostering mutual coordination and support. The aircraft had taken off from Parakou and was heading toward Cotonou when it first encountered technical issues.
After an initial emergency landing in Bonou, the aircraft was able to resume its flight, only to experience further complications over the Ze region, leading to the crash at around 3:40 p.m. local time. Civil aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident’s exact causes.
This incident comes just days after a deadly terrorist attack on January 8, which killed at least 30 Beninese soldiers. The attack was claimed by al-Qaeda, with subsequent military operations resulting in the death of 40 terrorists.
Terrorist activity has escalated in northern Benin, primarily involving ISIS (Daesh) and al-Qaeda operatives from neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The border region with Burkina Faso remains a hotbed for these attacks.
