UN secretary general says Canadian peacekeepers entering Mali 'war zone' but downplays risks

When Canadian Forces arrive at the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali this summer, soldiers will be entering one of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world.

But the new UN secretary general is trying to downplay the safety and security threats Canadians will face once they land on the ground.

During an exclusive interview with CBC News at the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Que., Antonio Guterres acknowledged that Mali is a "war zone," adding that casualties are "possible" but not "inevitable."

"Inevitable is not a word that is adequate. The word is possible," Guterres said.

"Even in very peaceful environments, we have soldiers that die with car crashes, with diseases, so, the number of people dying forcauses not related to fighting is normally higher than those that come directly from, I would say, war incidents."

Since the United Nations operation launched in 2013, more than 160 peacekeepers have been killed in Mali.

The Canadian government announced in March it would be sending as many as 250 troops to be part of that mission, while also supplying six helicopters.

Those soldiers are expected to arrive in the west African nation this August;however, the details still need to be finalized.

'It is a war zone indeed there'

Guterres met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturdayduring the G7 summit.

"It is a war zone indeed there, but, it's not for the peacekeepers to fight the war," the secretary general said.

"It is a dangerous environment andpeacekeepers may be attacked, and it's important that we take all precautions to prevent that."

"Canadian peacekeepers are extremely welcome," Guterres said, adding that it is important for developedcountries to provide more than just financial aid.

The UN envisions Canadian troops taking on a largely traditional peacekeeping role, despite the dramatic evolution in threats in these types of conflict zones.

Guterres saidCanadian peacekeepers will focus on the "protection of civilians, to make sure that civilians do not pay the price of the difficulties that existin Mali."

"If we want to serve those that are more vulnerable, those that suffer more, then there are risks in it always."