Canada to deploy troops in Mali.

The government of Canada will send military forces to Mali this year in response to a request from the United Nations for reinforcing the MINUSMA.

Canadian troops will join the MINUSMA troops in Mali (Picture source: UN)

Ottawa notified the UN that it will deploy helicopters, support troops and medical personnel to Mali. The deployment will be part of the Canadian military's peacekeeping mission but the details are not finalized yet.

Mali gained independence from France in 1960 but keeps close links with its former ruling power. France was the first country to send troops to the African country in 2012, following the Islamist offensive that captured a number of cities and exerted many tortures and destructions.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political processes in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks. The Mission was asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap.

By unanimously adopting resolution 2164 of 25 June 2014, the Council further decided that the Mission should focus on duties, such as ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in that country.

Around 15,000 personnel coming from a dozen countries are currently deployed.