Canada joins International Coalition for the Sahel

June 12, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today announced that Canada will join the International Coalition for the Sahel. Minister Champagne will participate in the coalition’s Small Group of Foreign Ministers.

During virtual meetings with their respective counterparts, Minister Champagne and Minister Sajjan reiterated Canada’s commitment to support the countries in the Sahel in advancing their priorities for peace and security, economic and social development, inclusive governance, gender equality and climate change.

The ministers also highlighted Canada’s commitment to international assistance in the Sahel, and underlined Canada’s engagement in contributing to international efforts to stabilize the region, by participating in operations, exercises, and capacity-building initiatives.

Quotes

“Canada is proud to be a partner in the International Coalition for the Sahel. We look forward to working with countries in the Sahel as well as with international partners to help restore peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada remains committed to working with our partners around the world. Our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, demonstrates our commitment to doing our part for the international community. We will continue to contribute to global efforts to support a more secure and stable Sahel region.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

The G5 Sahel is an institutional framework for coordination and regional cooperation in development policies and security matters in West Africa, established by five African states: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
The International Coalition for the Sahel is a group that aims to facilitate coordination and interaction between the various dimensions of international action to support the G5 Sahel countries.
Canada supports the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) through the deployment of civilians, police and military officers.
Canada contributes to development in the Sahel, particularly through major bilateral assistance programs in Mali and Burkina Faso.
Canada provides capacity-building training for the Nigerian Armed Forces through Operation NABERIUS.
Canada supports France under Operation FREQUENCE using military aircraft to support the movement of French personnel and military equipment to and from the Sahel region.

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Floriane Bonneville
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