May 21, 2024 – The African Union has expressed its profound grief following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who perished in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. The tragic incident also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and six other individuals, including members of Raisi’s entourage and the helicopter crew. The crash occurred in northern Iran as the president was en route to Tabriz, after returning from the Azerbaijan border, where he had inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi and Khodaafarin dams.
The African Union Commission released a statement in response to the news, with Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressing deep shock and sadness. “The Chairperson extends his sincere condolences, deep sympathy, and the solidarity of the African Union to the bereaved families, the Supreme Leader and Leader of the Islamic Revolution, His Eminence Sayyed Ali Khamenei, to the Iranian government, and the brotherly Iranian people during this time of deep sorrow and loss,” the statement read.
President Raisi, aged 63, assumed office in 2021 after his second attempt at the presidency. Known as a hardline cleric, he was seen as a potential successor to Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989. In 2019, Khamenei appointed Raisi head of the judiciary, a powerful position within Iran’s political hierarchy. Raisi also served as deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader.
The crash also resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including East Azerbaijan province governor Malek Rahmati, Tabriz’s Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, and IRGC Brigadier General Mohammad Mehdi Mousavi. The helicopter pilots, Colonel Mohsen Daryanush and Colonel Seyyed Taher Mostafavi, along with technician Major Behrouz Qadimi, were also among the deceased.
The incident occurred around 13:30 local time (10:00 GMT) in a remote, mountainous area south of the Qiz-Qalasi Dam. Initial reports from Iranian state TV indicated that the helicopter had made a “hard landing” amidst heavy fog and rain. By late afternoon, the tragic news was confirmed, and the country began to mourn.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his deep sorrow over the “bitter tragedy” and announced a five-day period of public mourning. He praised Raisi as a “competent, hard-working” leader dedicated to the people. In accordance with Iran’s constitution, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber has been appointed acting president. He will oversee the election of a new president within 50 days, in collaboration with the heads of parliament and the judiciary.