Interesting news, and we’ll see how it goes. I have no clue if Secopex is hiring or not, and the best thing to do is just ask them direct if you are are wanting to get in on this contract. My guess is they already have their guys lined up, and they are all probably French. But you never know, so give them a call if you are interested. –Head Jundi
—————————————————————–
French security firm to curb piracy in Somalia
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Somalia: A private French military firm signs a contract with Somali authorities to boost the security off the country’s coast. Pierre Marziali, CEO of the firm Secopex said the country has been plagued by high-profile piracy in recent years. He added that the deal would “strengthen maritime business” off Somalia.
The deal is estimated to be worth between 50 and 100 million euros (USD 75-150 million) annually for the next three years and comes after the hostage-taking incident by Somali pirates of a French luxury yacht, the Ponant, in April.
Marziali went on to add, “Our core business is primarily in the US” and went on to say that the Ponant case had played a role in its signing the deal with the Somali authorities, AFP reports said.
The contract amount will depend on a review of existing facilities in Somalia, and will be used to set up a “unified coastguard, creating a comprehensive coastguard information system” as well as forming a special bodyguard for Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.
Secopex can mobilize up to 2,000 people from around 40 trades, including divers, translators, pilots and nurses.
The firm was founded in 2003 and provides private security, bodyguards, and security advice and auditing and the branch in Carcassonne, southern France, specializes in private military services to sovereign states.
Story Link