Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential effect on (a) human rights and (b) the rule of law in Somaliland of the police and armed forces allegedly opening fire on pro-democracy campaigners on 11 August 2022.

We note reports of public disorder and the excessive use of force during the political demonstrations across Somaliland on 11 August. We have raised this issue with the Presidency and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and issued a statement calling for all sides to behave peacefully and uphold the rights to assembly and association. It is important that agreement between Somaliland stakeholders is reached on a roadmap for elections. We continue to monitor the situation and regularly raise this issue at all levels with the Somaliland Government.

We are committed to supporting the protection of human rights in Somaliland, including adherence to due process and the rule of law with regard to prisoners and the judicial system. Promoting respect for human rights is essential to enduring peace and stability. We will continue to work together with human rights defenders across Somaliland to use our collective voice to call for change.