This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On May 5, 2020, Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo called for swift investigations into the incident.
A light aircraft, carrying aid supplies for use in the fight against Covid-19, was shot down in Bardale area, Somalia, on Monday, killing all six on board.
The cargo plane, belonging to African Express, was on a humanitarian mission, and the incident occurred under unclear circumstances, according to the Somali Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
"The incident occurred under unclear circumstances. The aircraft had been and was supporting humanitarian operations during this Covid-19 pandemic period," the Ministry said in a statement.
Kenya demanded that Somalia investigate the incident, warning that it could harm humanitarian aid deliveries in Somalia.
"Kenyan and other humanitarian aircraft operating in the region are also urged to enhance extra precaution in light of the unclear circumstances surrounding the incident...The Ministry of Foreign Affairs working with other agencies shall keenly monitor the investigation of this tragic incident and will collaborate with all to bring closure and resolution," Nairobi said in a message to Mogadishu.
