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Feb 10 2022

NSPA initiates transport services in support of Task Force TAKUBA in Mali

LUXEMBOURG - The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has initiated the provision of transportation services in Mali, in support of the Takuba Task Force.

The tasking by the Ministry of Armed Forces of the French Republic includes the provision of cargo handling support, passengers and cargo transportation to the Task Force between Gao and Ménaka (Mali). The first flight carrying food supplies took place on 31 January 2022.

NSPA mobilisation team initiates the delivery of services and set up offices in Gao and Menaka to ensure smooth coordination of logistics services and oversight of the Ground and Air Transport Service Contracts.

The Framework Technical Arrangement between the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO) and the Ministry of Armed Forces of the French Republic for the provision of Air and Ground Transportation Services in Operation entered into force on 1 January 2022. This is the first time that France, as leader of a coalition, requests outsourced support.  

The Takuba Task Force is an Intervention European Initiative military task force meant to advise, assist and accompany (3A) the Malian Armed Forces, in coordination with G5 Sahel and other international actors. TF Takuba (meaning « sword » in local language) includes nine Nations and is integrated to the command of the French Operation Barkhane for operational aspects, and operates from Gao and Ménaka, in southeast central Mali.