Mali

Mali is a large country in northwestern Africa. It is more than 1.2 million square kilometres in area, which is a bit smaller than the province of Quebec. Mali’s northern portions lay in the Sahara Desert and semi-arid Sahel region. The majority of the country’s approximately 22 million people live in the less harsh conditions of the grassland savannahs in the south. This more populated region of the country includes the capital city of Bamako.

Colonization

Mali has a rich history. It was part of several powerful African empires before colonization. European powers rapidly took control of most of the continent in the late 19^th century. France laid claim to large portions of northwestern Africa and the area that became Mali gradually fell under its rule between the 1880s and 1910. The colonial government gave it different official names over the years, such as “French Sudan” and “Upper Senegal and Niger.”

The people of Mali tried to rid themselves of this foreign rule. They launched a major uprising against the French in 1915-1916. France defeated the rebellion and retained control of the country for several more decades.

Independence and unrest

Mali became an independent country in 1960. It was not a smooth transition and Mali soon fell under one-party rule. After years of economic decline, a military coup overthrew the original government in 1968. Further political unrest and coup attempts followed. Severe droughts and famines made the political and economic situation in Mali even worse. The situation came to a head with mass protests and a successful pro-democratic revolution in 1991.

With the military regime overthrown, Mali soon passed a new constitution. Multi-party elections took place in 1992. Democratically elected leaders were able to keep the country relatively stable for the next two decades.

Civil war

Major unrest broke out in Mali in early 2012. Rebels seized power in the northern half of the country, seeking independence for the region. This fighting helped lead to another coup in Mali. The situation was complex and the various rebel groups had different goals.

The uprising led to the rise of forces linked to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. In the first few months of 2013, troops from Mali and France recaptured the territory the rebels had seized. Unfortunately this did not lead to lasting peace. High tensions and conflict continued in northern and central Mali.

The United Nations responds

When the large-scale fighting eased in early 2013, authorities in Mali asked the international community for help. They wanted a peacekeeping operation to help the people of the country. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) soon began.

This large peacekeeping mission had a broad mandate. It carried out security operations to protect civilians and major population centres. It monitored human rights violations and delivered humanitarian aid. The mission also oversaw the return of displaced persons and supported free elections.

More than 15,000 UN peacekeepers from dozens of countries served in Mali over the next ten years. This included more than 1,250 Canadians.

Canadian Armed Forces support

In 2018, the UN asked Canada for urgent support in the peacekeeping mission in Mali. The UN operations needed help to provide aerial transport, evacuation of the wounded, and medical treatment.

Three CH-147F Chinooks evacuated injured peacekeepers and civilians. They also helped transport UN supplies around the large country. These large helicopters became flying emergency rooms during medical evacuations. Skilled air crews flew the helicopters in Mali’s challenging environment. Onboard, a flight surgeon, critical care nursing officer and two medical technicians provided care. A force protection team traveled with them to guard the helicopter on the ground.

From August 2018 to August 2019, a Canadian contingent of approximately 250 personnel filled these important roles. Operation PRESENCE (Mali) was the Canadian Armed Forces name for our country’s military efforts there. 

Five CH-146 Griffon helicopters also deployed to Mali. They flew as escorts for the Chinooks to protect them from possible attack. These smaller, armed helicopters also supported other UN efforts. This included long range security operations in remote parts of the country.

Other Canadian military contributions

Task Force Bamako was another way that Canadian Armed Forces members supported the UN peacekeeping efforts in Mali. Up to ten Canadians worked in MINUSMA headquarters operations in Bamako, Mali’s capital city. Some of them also served with a British reconnaissance force based in Gao in the east of the country.

Canadian Armed Forces transport aircraft like the CC-130 Hercules provided valuable service, as well. They carried personnel, supplies and equipment for the UN efforts in Mali and throughout Africa.

Canadian civilian police peacekeepers

Military personnel are not the only Canadians in uniform who take part in international peace operations. Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other civilian police officers also share their valuable skills.

Beginning in early 2019, a contingent of up to 30 Canadian police officers served in Mali. They helped implement Mali’s peace and reconciliation agreement and also helped reform the country’s security services. The police peacekeepers performed many important duties in pursuit of these goals. This included providing security and protecting civilians. They also offered leadership in policing, human rights and gender equality. And they trained local police forces in Mali and neighbouring nations.

The mission ends

UN peace operations only take place at the invitation of the host country. In mid-2023, the Mali government asked UN peacekeepers to leave. They claimed the MINUSMA mission had failed to stabilize the country. After a decade of peacekeeping efforts, the multinational effort in Mali ended.

Canadian determination and bravery

Mali was a grueling environment for our service members. Extremely hot and arid conditions were common. Canadian Armed Forces peacekeepers performed vital and dangerous duties in this tough climate.

Canadians who deploy on peacekeeping missions often go above and beyond to get the job done. Sometimes this remarkable service is recognized in special ways. For example, three senior Canadian Armed Forces officers earned the Meritorious Service Cross in Mali. Colonel Christopher McKenna, Colonel Travis Morehen and Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Morrison all received this medal for their exceptional leadership during the UN mission there.

Sacrifice

Canadian peacekeepers make many sacrifices when they serve in overseas missions. Spending six months or a year away from friends and loved ones is very hard. They also face the danger of working in a place in turmoil, with uncertainty about what each day will bring. The family members of those who deploy far from home also share these burdens.

Serving in uniform can sometimes result in injury and death. Approximately 130 Canadian Armed Forces members have lost their lives during international peace efforts. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers also died. No Canadians in uniform lost their lives in Mali. However, more than 300 UN personnel from around the world were killed during peacekeeping efforts there. This steep toll made it one of the most deadly United Nations missions of all time.