20°C Vancouver

Feb 12, 2020 3:15 PM -

Trudeau in Senegal for final African stop of UN Security Council campaigning

Share On
trudeau-in-senegal-for-final-african-stop-of-un-security-council-campaigning
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, centre right, takes part in an African Union high level breakfast dialogue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Senegal, Africa for an official visit that will test his commitment to gender equality with one of Canada's closest francophone partners.

He was greeted at the airport near last night Dakar by Foreign Minister Amadou Ba.

Trudeau's visit includes a meeting with President Macky Sall and a moment of reflection at Goree Island where slaves being taken to the Americas were held.

Dalhousie University political science chair David Black, who studies Canada's role in sub-Saharan Africa, says Senegal and Canada have long-standing links, mostly through their shared French language, that Trudeau can build upon.

Trudeau has committed to women's empowerment and human rights as he looks to gain support from Sall for Canada's bid for a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Gender-based violence is a significant problem in Senegal, which made rape a criminal offence only last month.

Trudeau will also be going to Germany on this trip before returning home for the weekend. Then he will pivot and fly off to the Caribbean for more official business.

Latest news

nepal-tibet-flood-death-toll-rises-to-955-over-3-900-still-missing
WorldAug 31, 2026

Nepal-Tibet Flood Death Toll Rises to 955, Over 3,900 Still Missing

The death toll from the devastating floods that hit Nepal and Tibet on August 26 has risen to 955. Nepal alone has reported 939 deaths, while the number of fatalities in Tibet has reached 16. More than 3,900 people are still missing. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry said its World Meteorological Centre had sent an email to Nepal 12 days before the floods, warning of heavy rainfall, landslides and flash floods. Nepal, however, has accused China of providing forecasts for heavy rainfall but failing to share information about snowfall, water levels, landslides and other major natural hazards
bank-of-canada-expected-to-hold-interest-rate-at-2-25-rate-hikes-possible-in-2027
CanadaAug 31, 2026

Bank of Canada Expected to Hold Interest Rate at 2.25%, Rate Hikes Possible in 2027

The Bank of Canada is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25% at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, marking a seventh consecutive rate hold. The central bank has maintained the rate at 2.25% since October 2025. Financial markets and economists expect the Bank of Canada to continue with a cautious, wait-and-see approach for now as it closely monitors inflation, economic growth and uncertainty surrounding the Canada-U.S. trade relationship. However, discussions are growing about the possibility of interest rate increases next year as the ongoing trade war could put addit
trump-warns-canada-over-venezuela-oil-deal-signals-u-s-may-no-longer-need-canadian-crude
CanadaAug 31, 2026

Trump Warns Canada Over Venezuela Oil Deal, Signals U.S. May No Longer Need Canadian Crude

U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks against Canada continue, with his latest remarks focusing on a major oil deal involving Venezuela. Trump has described the agreement, involving Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, as a direct warning to Ottawa and suggested that the United States may not need Canadian crude oil in the future. Experts say the deal could create increased competition for Canadian crude in the U.S. market in the coming years. Both Canada and Venezuela are major producers of heavy crude, which is used by refineries designed to process heavier grades of oil. Trump recently sha
b-c-ndp-mla-and-indigenous-leader-joan-philip-dies-at-74-vancouver-strathcona-seat-vacant
BCAug 31, 2026

B.C. NDP MLA and Indigenous Leader Joan Philip Dies at 74, Vancouver-Strathcona Seat Vacant

B.C. NDP MLA and prominent Indigenous leader Joan Philip has died at the age of 74. She represented the Vancouver-Strathcona riding in the provincial legislature. According to the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Philip died Friday afternoon in hospital in the presence of her family. She had been battling a serious illness for some time. Her husband, Grand Chief Stewart Philip, along with her children and grandchildren, were by her side at the time of her death. B.C. Premier David Eby paid tribute to Philip, describing her as a fearless warrior and inspiring leader. He said she dedicated her life
drug-trafficking-network-operator-tyler-missen-sentenced-to-11-5-years-in-prison
BCAug 31, 2026

Drug Trafficking Network Operator Tyler Missen Sentenced to 11.5 Years in Prison

A man identified as Tyler Missen has been sentenced to 11.5 years in prison following an RCMP-led investigation into a drug trafficking network operating across several cities in B.C. According to RCMP, the trafficking network was linked to Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Langley. On June 29, police carried out searches at multiple locations, seizing large quantities of drugs, weapons, vehicles and Canadian currency. Three people were arrested during the operation. Missen, a Langley resident, pleaded guilty on July 2 while in custody to drug trafficking and weapons-related offences. On August 26, t

Related News