Diplomacy, peacekeeping cuts weaken Carney’s middle-power vision: South African envoy

South Africa's envoy to Ottawa, Rieaz Shaik, has expressed disappointment over Canada's decision to remove most of its peacekeepers from the continent. Shaik believes this aligns with the Carney government's pledge to foster cooperation among middle powers. He stated, "I am saddened by the fact that the budget cuts (are) appearing to be a kind of withdrawal of Canada’s commitment towards peace in Africa."

Shaik's concerns come as Canada plans to recall peacekeepers from Congo and South Sudan, where it has suspended its embassy operations. The federal government is pursuing a 15% budget cut to most government agencies, including a 15% reduction in peacekeeping operations. This move has drawn criticism from former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy and former UN ambassador Bob Rae.

Shaik emphasized that Canada's peacekeeping missions are crucial for global stability, stating, "Peacekeeping missions are incredibly important. If you want to produce stability, you’ve got to silence the guns." He also pointed out that Canada's decision to withdraw from global security issues could embolden other powers to do the same, citing recent American foreign aid cuts as an example.

Shaik's comments come in the wake of Canada's abrupt closure of its embassy in South Sudan, which it has temporarily suspended operations in without providing a clear reason. The government has also reversed a staffing decision that would have focused the high commission in South Africa more on bilateral relations. Shaik suggested that these moves contradict Prime Minister Mark Carney's message at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Carney called for middle powers to forge tighter economic and security ties.