NSPA to support Takuba Task Force in Mali

08:31 22/6/2021 - Πηγή: Armynow

LUXEMBOURG – The NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO) has signed a Framework Technical Arrangement with the Ministry of Armed Forces of the French Republic for the provision of services in Mali (Africa), in support of the Takuba Task Force. The support provision includes food

and base services, engineering services, infrastructure maintenance, fuel services and intra-theatre air and ground transportation.

Takuba Task Force. Menaka Base, Mali. Daphne Benoît, AFP

The Takuba Task Force is a European military task force, comprised by eight European countries and led by France, which advises and assists Malian Armed Forces in their fight against terrorism in the Sahel, in coordination with other international actors on the ground, including the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Further to France’s requirement, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will support one camp in Menaka, in eastern Mali, with capacity for about 500 people. This includes provision of food services, base services (laundry services and pest control, among others) engineering services and fuel services. To this end, NSPA will deploy personnel by the end of the summer to conduct site management and provide logistical support to operations.

The signing ceremony of the Framework Technical Agreement took place at the NSPA facilities in Capellen, Luxembourg on the 9th of June. NSPA General Manager, Mr Peter Dohmen and NSPA Directors welcomed the French Delegation, led by Air Vice-Marshal Laurent Marboeuf, Head of Joint International Affairs, and other senior representatives from the French Ministry of Defence.

Air Vice-Marshal Laurent Marboeuf, Head of Joint International Affairs after the signing ceremony in Capellen, Luxembourg

“The Takuba and NSPA cooperation is about mutual trust and confidence. This is the first time that France, as leader of a coalition, requests outsourced support. It is also the first time that NSPA provides a non-NATO coalition support. There is no doubt this is a win-win project”,  assured Air Vice-Marshal Marboeuf.

“The signing ceremony is a key milestone after months of teamwork between NSPA and the French Army. We are grateful and honoured for the trust bestowed on the Agency. This an excellent opportunity for the Agency to strengthen its capacity to support NATO allies and partners, wherever is required”, confirmed Mr Peter Dohmen.

In the context of the preparations for the post-Barkhane Operation, the Ministry of Armed Forces assured that this cooperation agreement testifies France’s commitment to permanently install Task Force TAKUBA in Mali for the benefit of operational cooperation with African partners.

(Read the story as published  on the NSPA website)

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