Cablegate: Blue Lantern: Senegal Not Purchasing C-130s From Nigeria

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UNCLAS DAKAR 001230

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SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC PREL PINR ETRD NI SG
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: SENEGAL NOT PURCHASING C-130S FROM NIGERIA

REF: A) Tat/Bella-Bella e-mail of 9/28/09, B) STATE 90771

1. (SBU) In a discussion with the Chief of Staff of Senegal's Air
Force, Colonel Pereira, poloff was told that Senegal was not/not
planning to purchase C-130s from Nigeria. Instead the Air Force is
in the process of purchasing second-hand CASA 235s from Indonesia.

2. (SB) However, according to Embassy Abuja, Nigeria is still
interested in selling the aircraft and would like to pursue the 3rd
party transfer request. Although Colonel Pereira said that Senegal
was no longer planning to purchase the planes, it seems as if such a
purchase had been in the works but that it has now been turned off.
Senegal already paid Nigeria some upfront money for the aircraft,
and Nigeria is now working with Senegal to return this money.

3. For further information requests concerning this sale the contact
person is Major Afia Bella-Bella based in Abuja.

Office Phone: 234-9-461-4031
Cell Phone: 234-803-659-1611
bella-bellaai@state.gov

SMITH

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