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Czech defense industry in Burkina Faso

From 5 to 8 November 2018, the presentation of the Czech defense industry in the form of the PROPED economic diplomacy project took place in the capital of Burkina Faso Ouagadougou. This event took place at the same time as the visit of the military attaché col. Tomáš Říman to Burkina Faso.
 

Colonel Říman together with representatives of joint-stock company LOM Praha Trade, joint-stock company Česká zbrojovka and Defcon Ltd. arrived in Ouagadougou on November 5, 2018 in the evening and at the hotel, they attended a short briefing on the work program. Due to different goals and intentions, the delegation split into a business part and a part of the accompanying military attaché.

Czech delegation by the Chief of Air Forces

Czech delegation by the Chief of Air Forces

The Business Mission Program on November 6, 2018 was launched by visiting the Air Force Base in Ouagadouga, being welcomed by Chief of Air Forces Colonel-Major Kounsaoum PALENFO.  The main topic of the meeting was the implementation of the project for training of ground staff at the University of Pardubice, executed by LOM Praha Trade and Defcon. Colonel-Major PALENFO expressed an interest to begin the training in the shortest possible time and with a representative of the Embassy in Accra has been agreed most feasible method for applying for visas in Accra for a total of 28 people still in November this year.

Subsequently, the entire delegation moved to Colonel Issa COMPAORE, Deputy Chief of Air Forces, discussing the details of the contract for general overhaul of two Mi-17 helicopters, to be implemented by LOM Praha Trade early next year.

Czech delegation at Ministry of Security

Czech delegation at Ministry of Security

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Senior Section Director at Ministry of Security Mr. Clement OUANGO in connection with the delivery and testing several submachine guns of Česká Zbrojovka. Testing of these weapons is part of the negotiations on supplies for the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Security in order to include such purchases in the budget of Burkina Faso for the next year. In connection with the ever-increasing threat of terrorism, the Ministry of Security asked for special accessories - a collimator and a thermal camera.

presentation of submaschine gun of CZUB

presentation of submaschine gun of CZUB

Within the morning program on 7 November 2018, representatives of LOM Praha Trade and Defcon took part in the inspection of helicopters for general overhaul and further discussion of the training requirements of Burkina Faso personnel. Representative of Česká zbrojovka has provided training at the Interior Ministry of Burkina Faso for the assembly, dismantling and use of the aforementioned accessories for the submachine gun. On November 8, 2018, then agreed target practice and test equipment at a military base in Oagadougou.

The evening program of the delegation was completed with a banquet ceremony for members of the Burkina Faso Armed Forces, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. The Czech Ambassador to Ghana, JUDr.Margita Fuchsová, once again wanted to thank, to thank for the perfect organization of this mission. In the next part, she emphasized the importance of cooperating in the defense industry, providing training for members of the armed forces and mutual support in the fight against terrorism.

banquet for Burkina Faso armed forces

banquet for Burkina Faso armed forces

The last point of the mission program was the shooting of the submachine gun at the Ouagadouga military base. Representative of Česká zbrojovka showed the shooting, using the advantages of special accessories. Shooting these weapons can then tried about 80 members of the armed forces, police and special forces.

Due to the detailed negotiations on the terms of the two contracts and the promise to buy arms next year, the business mission to Burkina Faso can be regarded as very successful. The success of the above-mentioned Czech companies can encourage other Czech exporters to trade with the countries of West Africa.

Tomáš Zázvorka, Commercial Counselor, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Accra.  

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Presentation of the Czech defence industry in Burkina Faso