Update on Canada’s ongoing engagement in Mali
News release
July 5, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canada is engaged in the international effort to help Mali achieve stability and build a brighter future for its people by helping to promote sustainable development, peace and security. Canada is taking a comprehensive approach to Mali that draws from Canadian diplomatic, humanitarian and development assistance, police, and military resources and expertise. Setting conditions for the achievement of a durable and inclusive peace is central to Canadian efforts. To that end, Canadian contributions continue to prioritize the protection of civilians and human rights, particularly those of women and girls. Since 2000, Canada has provided nearly $1.5 billion in international assistance to Mali, which has helped promote stability, improve governance, reinforce the rule of law, reduce poverty and inequality, and improve the lives of Malians.
In order to help preserve these gains and to further strengthen Canada’s multi-faceted support to Mali, the Canadian Armed Forces is providing an air task force (ATF) of two CH-147F Chinook and four CH-146 Griffon helicopters, as well as spares for maintenance capacity, to support the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Up to 250 personnel will be part of the ATF and up to 10 personnel will be deployed as staff officers at MINUSMA headquarters. In addition, the ministers responsible for the Canadian Police Arrangement have authorized the deployment of up to 20 civilian police.
This military operation, called Operation PRESENCE - Mali, is in direct response to a UN request and will complement ongoing Canadian efforts to support the development and implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Operation PRESENCE - Mali will provide MINUSMA with essential aeromedical evacuation and logistical capabilities that build on and reinforce Canadian investments in UN stabilization, peacebuilding and training.
Canadian civilian police officers are authorized to deploy to MINUSMA and the European Union’s civilian capacity-building mission, EUCAP Sahel Mali. Canada is working closely with the UN and the EU to identify the specific roles in which the women and men in Canada’s police services can have the greatest impact in support of sustainable peace.
Canada is committed to contributing in ways that maximize its impact and bring the most value to the UN peacekeeping mission. We will work with partner nations to implement our smart pledge commitment and build on humanitarian, development, peace and security initiatives in Mali.
Quotes
“Canada is working closely with partners in Mali, and worldwide, to ensure peacekeeping meets the needs of the 21st century. We are contributing our expertise to create a safer, more peaceful world. We are doing this by working with countries to increase the meaningful participation of women, through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, implementing the Vancouver Principles to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers and providing specialized training to meet the needs of the UN.”
- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Through Operation PRESENCE - Mali, Canada is taking tangible steps forward in supporting United Nations peace-support operations and helping secure lasting peace and stability in Mali. As a vital component of Canada’s whole-of-government approach, I am confident that the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces have the skills and expertise necessary to make a meaningful difference in the region.”
- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“With nearly 65% of its population under the age of 25, Mali has great potential for social progress and development. Canada believes that its continued support is needed to establish and maintain conditions for durable peace and sustainable development. By working with partners, Canada will continue to adapt its programming to the evolving security context to ensure women and girls are safe and empowered to be agents of change in their communities.”
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
“I am proud of Canadian police officers’ contribution to the safety and security of countries experiencing poverty, conflict and upheaval. Through the Canadian Police Arrangement, Canada has police officers ready to train and mentor their counterparts in Mali, building their capacity to maintain law and order.”
- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
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Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca
Justine Lesage
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Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
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Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100
Byrne.Furlong@forces.gc.ca
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Scott Bardsley
Senior Advisor for Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681
Scott.Bardsley@canada.ca
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
ps.mediarelations-relationsaveclesmedias.sp@canada.ca
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