Canadian Armed Forces in Africa
Canadians have a long history of military service in countries across Africa. This includes the South African War and the Second World War’s North African campaign. Since then, Canadians have served in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in places like the Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Mali.
Join us in 2024 to recognize and remember their stories, achievements and sacrifices.
Missions
People and stories
Classroom materials
Important dates
April 7
- International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
- 30th anniversary of the beginning of the genocide
October 11
- 125th anniversary of the beginning of the South African War in 1899.
Monthly themes
January – North Africa in the Second World War
Some Canadians served in North Africa during the Second World War. They supported Allied efforts on land, at sea and in the air.
February – Ethiopia and Eritrea
CAF members took part in a UN peace mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea from 2000-2003. At times, more than 500 Canadian peacekeepers served to help implement a peace agreement.
March – Libya
Thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members took part in Operation Mobile in 2011. This was Canada’s contribution at sea and in the air to NATO military efforts combatting the crisis in Libya.
April – Rwanda
More than 600 Canadians served in Rwanda from 1993-1996. The genocide in this country made this mission one of the most difficult peacekeeping missions Canada has taken part in.
May – Namibia
600 Canadian Armed Forces members served in Namibia from 1989-1990. They provided important transportation and logistical support to the UN peacekeeping force there. Some Canadians also served in police and headquarter roles.
June – Congo
More than 2,500 Canadians have made important contributions to peacekeeping missions in the Congo. This includes one of the UN’s largest-ever peace operations from 1960-1964.
July – Somalia
1,400 Canadian Armed Forces members served in international peace support efforts in Somalia in 1992-1993. They took part in UN and United States-led multinational operations there.
August – Sierra Leone
Canadian Armed Forces members took part in international missions in Sierra Leone several times over the past 25 years. They delivered supplies, served as military observers, worked in the UN headquarters and helped fight Ebola outbreaks there.
September – Anti-piracy operations in the waters off Africa
The waters off the coast of Africa can be very dangerous. Royal Canadian Navy warships have frequently joined other countries in fighting the threat of pirate attacks at sea.
October – South African War
The South African War lasted from 1899 to 1902. Canadian troops made their first major deployment overseas there. More than 7,000 Canadians served in the conflict and about 280 lost their lives.
November – Sudan and South Sudan
Canadian peacekeepers have provided support to people in war-torn Sudan and South Sudan since 2004. Our troops have protected civilians, monitored ceasefires and facilitated humanitarian aid.
December – Mali
From 2018 to 2023, more than 1,250 CAF members took part in a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali. They provided key support like airborne medical evacuations.
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