Press Release
The Chadian Air Force recently sent two female pilot candidates to the United States (U.S.) for initial pilot training. After a vigorous selection process that included multiple English language proficiency tests, the Chadian Air Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Idriss Amine, proudly selected Lieutenant Sadie Ahmat Djibrine and Lieutenant Haoua Djiddi Hisseine to become Chad’s first female pilots sent to the U.S. for training on American aircraft.
On September 17, Jessica Davis Ba, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. congratulated Lieutenant Djibrine and Lieutenant Hisseine on their selection. Lieutenant Djibrine told Chargé Davis Ba that, “I chose to pursue pilot training in the United States of America so that I could return to serve my country and let women and girls know that they are capable of doing anything men can do.” Lieutenant Hisseine shared a similar sentiment with her fellow soldier and remarked that, “I chose the profession of pilot to serve my country-Chad. Flying is my childhood dream, and I certainly hope that our promotion will be the key to opening up the door to my sisters to follow in my footsteps in the profession of pilot.”
The U.S. government is sponsoring a year of English language training and initial pilot training in the U.S. for the two lieutenants. Following their initial training, they will be sent to advanced training to learn to fly the C-130 or the C-208 aircraft. The U.S. government has donated a C-130 and two C-208s to Chad. Each year, the U.S. government invests more than $3 million in training and sustainment to help Chad further modernize its Air Force.
