Details expected to be unveiled today on Canada’s peacekeeping missing in Mali

FILE: Mali Flag (Photo Public Domain)

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan are expected to unveil details today of Canada’s peacekeeping mission to Mali today.

The military’s upcoming foray into the west African nation is expected to include a marked female presence as the Trudeau government looks to have Canada lead by example in the push to have more women on peacekeeping missions.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity since an official announcement had not been made, says Canada will deploy up to six helicopters to the region.

The aircraft will include a combination of Chinook helicopters tasked with providing medical evacuations and logistical support and smaller Griffons to act as armed escorts for the larger transports.

They will be deployed later this year to the northern city of Gao, which serves as a main staging area for the United Nations into northern Mali where Islamic militants and Tuareg rebels are active.

The decision follows a direct request from the United Nations and fulfils the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promise in November to make such aircraft available to a future peacekeeping mission.