US Presents Niger with Cessnas

First Nigerien Female Pilot
Minister of Defense giving remarks
Minister of Defense giving remarks

The United States Ambassador to Niger, AMB Eunice Reddick had the honor today to present to the government of Niger over $36 million worth of equipment and training.  The ceremony marks the culmination of 12 months of planning, training and execution of two projects:  The transfer of two Cessna C-208 Caravans with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability to the Nigerien Air Force; and the transfer of 40 military vehicles (Land Cruisers, ambulances, and cargo trucks), 250 sets of uniforms and personal protective equipment, radios and associated spare parts to the 24th Battalion Inter-armée (BIA) of Dirkou.  Numerous Nigeriens received training under this program, to include LT. Ouma Laouali, Niger’s first female pilot, who received Cessna pilot training in the United States.  This ceremony serves to highlight the continuing strong military cooperation program that exists between the United States and Niger.

Ouma Laouali, Niger’s first female pilot (Photo U.S. Embassy Niamey)
Ouma Laouali, Niger’s first female pilot (Photo U.S. Embassy Niamey)