Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the Government’s policy is on the cancellation of debts owed by Sierra Leone; and what steps the Government is taking (a) nationally and (b) internationally to reduce that country’s debt overhang.

The Government of Sierra Leone has not requested debt relief. Sierra Leone is not currently in debt distress, although it is at high risk. Any country wishing to pursue debt relief should do so through the existing multilateral fora.

UK bilateral aid to Sierra Leone includes ongoing support to increase revenue generation and improve public financial management to address their debt position.

In the last 6 months, the UK has supported decisions taken by the IMF and the World Bank to provide additional financial support packages for Sierra Leone. Through our contributions to the EU and African Development Bank, we are also providing further support to the Government of Sierra Leone to finance their development needs.