Tags
AFISMA, French US cooperationin Mali, IDS International in West Africa, mali and us national security, Mali terrorism, US Defense contractors in Mali, US military engagement in Mali
Not to further publicize this job opportunity, but it is interesting to note that IDS International, an Arlington-based national security consulting firm, is “searching for French-speaking candidates to fill an immediate requirement for trainers in support of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA). Deployments will be to several different Francophone countries in West Africa.”
Interesting to see that the French intervention in Mali is already leading to increased opportunities for the ‘national security’ consulting industry. I’d be curious to know where the money is coming from for this.
Africa in DC 
I didn’t realize the US was getting into this for the long haul. There was a recent Economist article (disclaimer I’m not a fan) that talked about the frictions between the US and French on Mali- the French wanted help from the US – some kind of hi tech planes fueled and the US was adamant but eventually gave in but refused to fuel them.