It took place at the base that hosts the Italian military of the Bilateral Support Mission in Niger (MISIN) the handover ceremony of command between Brigadier General Massimo Marceddu and Brigadier General Giovanni Quartuccio.
Brigadier General Marceddu, in the presence of military, religious and civil authorities, Ambassador Roberto Orlando and Division General Nicola Piasente (representing the joint operational commander), expressed heartfelt thanks for the work of those who, with commitment, dedication and sacrifice, allowed the full achievement of all the objectives assigned to the mission.
The Defense, through the MISIN, has conducted training, education, consultancy, assistance, support and mentoring activities in favor of the Defense and Security Forces local (FDS) and the Nigerian Armed Forces (FAN), with 392 courses and 10.400 attendees, aimed at filling the capacity gaps, in order to make them effective in maintaining a condition of security in the country that allows them to combat illegal activities linked to illicit trafficking, migratory phenomena and crime.
Furthermore, through MISIN, the Defense in the civil-military collaboration sector, carries out multiple activities in favor of the population, primarily in the health, school, food, infrastructure and emergency sectors (59 projects), with the aim of alleviating suffering and contributing to providing the tools of knowledge to the younger generations to concretely support Niger in a continuous path of prosperity and well-being.
Of particular importance is the project currently underway for the construction of the Niger Aerospace Medicine Center (Centre de Compétences Médicales Aérospatiale du Niger – CEMEDAN), which, thanks to its high instrumental diagnostic capacity, will allow the certification of the flight suitability of all flight personnel and will, at the same time, act as a centre of excellence, unique in its kind, in the entire Shael area.
Overall, the MISIN activities constitute the cornerstones of the Defence's commitment in the area and as such find their synthesis in the Mission's motto itself “NON NOBIS SOLUM” (“Not just for ourselves”).
The ability to conduct broad-spectrum activities, with “spot” interventions or medium-long term projects, is essential to strengthen and consolidate the already strong relationship of trust and friendship that unites Italy and Niger.
General Marceddu expressed his heartfelt thanks to General of the Army Corps Francesco Paolo Figliuolo (joint operational commander) for the support received and for the wide decision-making autonomy received and expressed his best wishes for good work to General Quartuccio.
