Fantino is the Canadian representative at a donor's conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital.
"I'm announcing that Canada is providing an additional $13 million to a number of ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing the humanitarian needs that are so pressing," Fantino said at the conference.
The most recent numbers available on the website of the Canadian International Development Agency show Canada contributed $109.8 million in 2010-11. Canadian direct aid to Mali was suspended following a coup last spring, although multilateral aid — provided along with other countries through organizations like the UN — continued.
A statement from the African Union said leaders had raised over $453 million US "aimed at bridging the funding gap to expedite the deployment of African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA)."
The funds raised will also go to enhance the capacities and training of the Malian Defence and Security Forces, the statement said.
Canada's funding appears to be for humanitarian relief alone, including:
$3 million for food and nutrition through the UN World Food Programme.
$2.5 million for healthcare and medical supplies.
$1 million for hygiene and sanitation promotion through World Vision Canada.
Special forces in Mali
Canadian special forces are on the ground in Mali to protect Canadian assets such as the Canadian Embassy in the capital Bamako, Evan Solomon, host of CBC News Network's Power & Politics, reported Monday.
The forces are not related to Canadian Forces crews who have been piloting and supporting a Canadian C-17 transport plane in support of French troops since Jan. 18. That mission was extended last week until Feb. 15.
The special forces are not there to train Malian troops — and they are not involved in any combat role, as the government has repeatedly stressed and Prime Minister Stephen Harper repeated again Monday in the House of Commons.
A statement earlier this week from the Canadian government said in the last year, Canada has provided:
Food and nutrition assistance to 1.3 million people in Mali, as well as to 142,000 refugees in Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
Water and sanitation assistance to more than 49,000 people.
Activities such as the screening and referral of children suffering from malnutrition, as well as activities designed to protect livelihoods and enhance resilience, such as the distribution of seeds and tools for 58,000 people; and cash transfers and cash-for-work programming for 3,000 vulnerable households affected by both the food crisis and conflict in northern Mali.
Despite Fantino's announcement earlier in the day, his spokeswoman initially denied Canada had pledged any further funding for the troubled west African country.
"Canada has not announced any humanitarian funds above what is already being implemented. If and when Canada does, I'll ensure you are made aware," Meagan Murdoch said in an email.
Another spokesman from Fantino's office also refused to confirm the announcement, even after being presented with quotes pulled from a recording of the conference.
Original Article
Source: CBC
Author: Laura Payton
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