Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sent his condolences to France following a deadly French military helicopter crash on Tuesday.
13 French soldiers were killed in Mali after two helicopters collided during an operation against terrorists in the country.
This incident represents the biggest loss of French troops in a single day since an attack in the Lebanese capital Beirut in 1983 when 58 soldiers died.
“On behalf of my government and the people of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of these patriotic soldiers that died in the line of duty. May their souls rest in peace,” a statement from Buhari’s spokesperson Garba Shehu said.
Buhari also praised France, whom he described as a major international partner in the war against terrorism, for its efforts in assisting Africa in combating terrorism.
“We recognise France’s extensive experience in the war on terror and their assistance to African countries, including Nigeria, to tackle terrorism that poses the greatest security threat to the affected countries,” Buhari said.
Buhari urged France not to allow this incident to derail its active support for the fight against terrorism in Africa.
Investigators are set to begin examining the black boxes recovered from the debris after authorities located them.
38 French soldiers have been killed in the Sahel region since France intervened in Mali in 2013 to eliminate militants who had occupied the north, according to officials.
