Canada - Mali Relations

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Canada has been represented by an Ambassador in Bamako since 1995 (previously, the Ambassador resided in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire with an office of the Embassy in Bamako). Mali established its embassy in Ottawa in 1978. The coup d’état that occurred in Mali on March 22, 2012, undermined Canada’s strong partnership with Mali and 20 years of democracy and progress in the country. Canada condemned the coup d’état and suspended aid programs involving direct payments to the government of Mali. However, humanitarian and development assistance, delivered through non-governmental organizations and multilateral channels continue.

Before the March coup d’état, Canada and Mali collaborated in matters of peace and security on the African continent. Canadian instructors from the Department of National Defence and the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre provided training through the Peacekeeping School (École de maintien de la paix) in Bamako. Mali and Canada also shared common values, such as democracy and good governance, and cooperated closely in multilateral forums, particularly in La Francophonie.

Mali has been receiving official development assistance from Canada since 1972 and has been figuring prominently in Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) programming since then. In 2009, Mali was designated as one of CIDA’s country of focus. Canada was the fourth largest bilateral donor in Mali in 2010-2011, with annual aid expenditures averaging approximately $112 million since 2008. Before the coup, Canada’s development program focused on children and youth (education and health), food security (irrigation projects, agriculture development and access to credit), and governance (financial administration, external controls, institutional development and justice). Although the suspension of direct support to the Government of Mali is still in effect, Mali remains a country of focus for Canada and these development priorities remain relevant but related work is being adopted to the new context.

In 2012, bilateral trade was worth $17.2 million, with $1.2 million in imports to Canada, mainly furniture and bedding, and $26.3 million in exports to Mali, mostly machinery and equipment. Canadian mining companies have made significant investments in Mali. The coup has slowed Canadian commercial activity in Mali.

The occupation of northern Mali by terrorist and armed groups in early 2012 led the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt on December 20, 2012, Resolution 2085 authorizing the deployment of an African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA). In early January 2013, the sudden advance of terrorist and associated elements towards the south of the country led the Malian interim authorities to request the urgent assistance of France. In response, France launched military operations under "Opération Serval". Since January 14, 2013, Canada has deployed a C-17 strategic airlift aircraft for logistical support to French operations between France and Bamako. As of March 31st, the airlift support provided by the Canadian Armed Forces has transitioned from being continuous to episodic, based on evolving requirements.

April 2013

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