Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his international counterparts on taking steps to de-escalate tensions in (a) west Africa and (b) Niger.

The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to undermine democracy, peace and stability in Niger. We are using our diplomatic presence to engage with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), its member states and other key African partners in support of a regionally-led, peaceful outcome to the crisis. On 1 August the Foreign Secretary visited Nigeria and met with President Tinubu, ECOWAS Chair, and emphasised the UK's firm support for ECOWAS' strong leadership in response to the crisis. I [Minister for Africa], have spoken to several African leaders and other international partners, including President Bazoum, former President Mahamadou Issoufou, and African Union Political Commissioner, Bankole Adeoye. Lord Ahmad also spoke to Foreign Minister Attaf of Algeria in early September. We will continue our engagement in support of ECOWAS' leadership to secure a return to democracy in Niger.