The Ministry of the Armed Forces announced on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, that a French serviceman, Corporal Vasil Bychyk, has succumbed to his injuries following a road accident in Djibouti. The soldier from the 16th Bataillon de Chasseurs à Pied was driving his armored vehicle when he returned from firing maneuvers, according to the ministry

Deployed with his unit from October 2024 to February 2025, Corporal Bychyk was taking part in a short-term mission with the 5e Régiment interarmes d’outre-mer, attached to the French Forces in Djibouti. Decorated with the Bronze Medal of the French National Defense and the Medal of Military Protection of the Territory, he was promoted to Corporal in April of the same year. Childless, he is survived by his family and comrades-in-arms.

Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, expressed his emotion on social network X, paying tribute to Corporal Bychyk. The Minister sent his condolences to the soldier’s family, comrades and brothers-in-arms, including those injured in this tragic accident. The Ministry recalls that the 5th RIAOM and the FFDJ operate within the framework of military cooperation agreements between France and the Republic of Djibouti.