Crossword Genius

Hesitate near African capital with small mission (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

errand

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'small mission' is the definition.
'errand' can be an answer for 'mission' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'small' bit.

'hesitate near african capital with' is the wordplay.
'hesitate' becomes 'er'.
'near african capital' becomes 'r' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'with' becomes 'and' (I've seen this before).
'er'+'r'+'and'='ERRAND'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for errand that I've seen before include "Commission, task" , "Short journey to get or bring" , "Short trip for a message" , "Mission (often run)" , "Short trip with a mission" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
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