Canada, fearful of possible casualties, is taking months longer than expected to decide whether to send troops to a U.N. mission in Mali, worrying allies and potentially undermining Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's commitment to peacekeeping.
Trudeau replaced a Conservative government in November 2015 that had little time for the United Nations. Trudeau's Liberals declared "Canada is back" in August 2016 and said they would commit up to 600 soldiers for possible U.N. deployment.
Officials said one option was Mali, where the United Nations has a 10,000-member force to help deal with Islamist militants.
"This would be a combat mission. Casualties are inevitable," said one person familiar with the matter.
Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan visited the African nation in November, and diplomats said they expected a decision by the end of 2016.
"The United Nations needs a response, even if it's a 'no,' because that has an impact on the ground," said a diplomatic source.
Sajjan said in a phone interview that a decision would not be coming soon. He cited the need for proper risk assessments.
A good fit
Canadian troops would be a good fit in Mali for two reasons: The army gained plentiful counterinsurgency experience during a 10-year mission to Afghanistan, and many soldiers speak French, the official language in Mali.
"Yes, there is a risk. But if you are serious about playing a major role in peacekeeping, then you have to take it," said another diplomatic source.
Afghanistan proved painful for Canada, which lost 158 troops in the fight against the Taliban, more per capita than any other nation.
"Are Canadians really ready to see coffins coming back once again?" said a second person with knowledge of the situation.
Canadian officials had initially said they were also waiting for possible requests from the United States. But a person familiar with the matter indicated no such request would be made, saying Washington had told Ottawa officials the decision about where to send troops was up to them.
Sajjan is hosting a conference on peacekeeping toward the end of the year.
"It's going to be pretty awkward if they haven't made an announcement by then," a third diplomatic source said.
