Canada pledges $40 million more aid for troubled Darfur region of Sudan

OTTAWA (CP) - Canada is increasing aid to Sudan's violence-plagued Darfur region by $40 million.

Peace is still possible in Darfur, Prime Minister Stephen Harper predicted as he announced the aid on Tuesday.

But Harper said a recently brokered peace deal must be backed up by actions to stabilize the region.

Half of the new aid money will be spent on food aid, water and sanitation, basic health care, and protecting refugees in Sudan and in neighbouring African countries.

Harper said Canada's new contribution will help lay the foundations for a peace process that he predicts will take a long time to complete.
"And that is exactly what today's announced support will help to do," Harper said.

"We will aid in the peace process by enhancing the African Union's ability to assist in the initial implementation of the Darfur peace agreement."
Harper made no mention of whether Canada will provide peacekeeping troops for the region, taking no questions from reporters after making the announcement.

Earlier this month, however, the prime minister suggested that any help for Sudan would not include any major troop contribution.

Canada has been providing military and technical assistance to the African Union Mission in Sudan, including sending Mounties to train civilian police forces.

Other Canadian military and civilian experts have assisted with strategic planning, logistics and air operations, training, information support, and communications.

Prior to Tuesday's announcement, Canada had allocated $170 million since 2004 to support the African Union mission, making it one of the top three international donors.

The money has been used to lease commercial helicopters and transport aircraft, pay for fuel and buy basic equipment, including helmets and protective vests.

Canada has also lent armoured personnel carriers to African Union forces deployment in Sudan.

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MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Thank goodness for the international leadership and vision of Prime Minister Stephen Harper in showing the world that Canada does care what happens in Darfur.