French defence ministry deploys Gen Richard André to present Arquus bid

摘要

Paris has called on one of its highest-ranking officers torepresent the interests of France's defence industry inIvory Coast against stiff international competition (AI,23/09/21). As part of a project to create an armouredvehicle assembly line, overseen by Ivorian defeceminister (and brother to the president) Téné BirahimaOuattara, the French authorities have taskedGen Richard André to present the bid submitted byFrance's light military vehicle leader, Arquus. Ivory Coasthas expressed a need for more wheeled vehicles to helpfight armed groups in the north and to equip itspeacekeeping contingents.