Washington, DC - U.S. and Senegalese officials Thursday inaugurated two body scanners and four explosives trace detectors at the passenger checkpoint for outbound flights inside Blaise Diagne International Airport, about 25 miles east of the Senegalese capital of Dakar. The U.S. Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program provided the equipment with funding and guidance from the Bureau of Counterterrorism.
The equipment grant, worth more than $800,000, is the latest component of a broader aviation security-enhancement program provided to the Government of Senegal by ATA that totals $1.4 million. This past spring, ATA delivered mentoring and training in airport security management and airport patrol management to civil and law enforcement authorities from the seven agencies responsible for Senegal’s airport and aviation security. Conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the ATA training focused on maintaining and improving the airport’s security in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization and TSA standards.
The ATA program has been delivering counterterrorism training in Senegal since 1985. The airport security training and equipment program further cements our relationship and underscores the continued close partnership that the United States has with Senegal, which has emerged as a leader in the fight against terrorism in West Africa.
About the Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) Program
Established in 1983, the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program is the U.S. Government’s premier counterterrorism training and equipment provider for foreign law enforcement agencies. All ATA assistance is delivered within a rule-of-law framework that promotes respect for human rights and fosters development of a self-sustaining capability through best practices such as embedded mentors and train-the-trainer programs.
ATA receives funding and policy guidance from the Bureau of Counterterrorism and is administered by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Training Directorate.
ATA builds the critical counterterrorism capabilities of law enforcement partners abroad with both knowledge-enhancing training courses and tactical skills development to detect, deter, and disrupt terrorist activities. With its cutting-edge curriculum and equipment grants, the ATA program contributes greatly to the security of our nation, our partners worldwide, and overall international peace and stability.
