Air Senegal to start operation soon

The aviation industry in the country is presently experiencing a considerable boom, as recognized flights, including Air Senegal, are finding Sierra Leone a profitable destination.
This, according to the Head of General Sales Agency, Chris Robertshaw, is in line with the fact that Sierra Leone is not only among the fastest growing economies in the world but also one of the best countries in the world to do business.
He said that with Air Senegal’s reliable service and safety acclaimed across Africa and the world, their arrival will contribute to local employment and increase the country’s revenue collection.
He said that they are positioned to provide outstanding services in the aviation industry that would potentially change the taste of flight experience in the sub-region, for which they will be charging a return ticket of $599 to Senegal.
Mareme Niasse, the Country Manager for Air Senegal, in her presentation, said that the flight will make its maiden landing at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, on the 25th of February this year. She revealed that it is the first direct flight to Senegal, with an investment portfolio worth 23 million Euros.
She said that with their present operation within the sub region, including West Africa, Central among others, there is an immediate future plan to extend operations right through Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Madam Niasse said that Air Senegal is one of the fastest growing airlines in the sub- region.
He said they started with two aircrafts running within four destinations. And at the moment, the airline can boast of 16 aircrafts running between 17 destinations.
By Poindexter Sama

Senegal to send 150 paramilitary police to Mali

Senegalese President Macky Sall said Friday his country will send 150 paramilitary police officers to Mali, in addition to 500 soldiers already deployed as part of a force battling radical Islamists.

"Aside from the 500 Senegalese soldiers sent as part of the international force, Senegal's paramilitary police will also send a contingent of 150 members," Sall said in comments published by the state news agency.

"These officers will join the United Nations police in securing liberated towns."

He was speaking during the departure of the third and final group of soldiers to the neighbouring country.

Some 8,000 soldiers have been pledged by African countries to join the offensive against the Islamists, and take over from the French forces leading the operation. The UN is mulling incorporating them into an official peacekeeping force.

-Sapa-AFP

President Macky Sall has been nominated for the Award "Excellence in National Stewardship of the Ocean"

Dakar, 24 January 2013 - Greenpeace presents its congratulations to President Macky Sall who just won the award "Excellence in National Stewardship of the Ocean 1" IN the 6th Edition of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards.

This annual award is given to the representative of a nation whose policies contribute to the protection and restoration of THE oceans for the benefit of  the communities that depend on that for their ²food and livelihoods.

"Since the beginning of his leadership of Senegal, President Macky Sall has made strong and courageous decisions that go in the direction of preserving the nation's fisheries. This award is a recognition of his political commitment, "said Michael Obrien Onyeka, Executive Director of Greenpeace Africa.

Among the notable measures taken by President Sall are the cancellation, in April 2012, of 29 illegal fishing authorizations ² granted by the former government to foreign pelagic trawlers which where plundering marine resources and endangering the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities. In addition, he decided to close the waters under Senegalese jurisdiction to pelagic trawlers for a period of at least one year.

During the 42nd United Nations Conference on Sustainable development (RIO+20) and the 16th Conference of "Francophonie" Macky Sall demonstrated his commitment in the international arena.

Greenpeace, which proposed President Macky Sall to the selection committee, wishes to see him continue to promote marine reserves and good governance in fishery resources management at the regional level.

Contacts:

Ahmed Diame, Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner Africa. Tel: +221773328994.ahmed.diame@greenpeace.org

Bakary Coulibaly, Oceans Communications Officer Greenpeace Africa. Tel: +221 773336265.bkouliba@greenpeace.org