Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help prevent the use of violence in the dispute between Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Mohamed Hussein Roble in Somalia.

We are concerned by the political situation in Somalia and have strongly urged Somalia's leaders to take immediate steps to de-escalate political tensions. It is vital for Somalia's stability that its leaders conclude the electoral process as soon as possible in a way that ensures the confidence of the Somali people.

In a statement on 26 December, I called for all parties to refrain from provocative actions that could exacerbate tensions or lead to violence. On 30 December, I spoke with Prime Minister Roble to underline the UK's support for an urgent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting as the appropriate forum to resolve fundamental issues and address observed electoral shortcomings, and we welcome the commencement of an NCC meeting with Federal Member State (FMS) leaders on 3 January. The UK's Ambassador in Mogadishu continues to engage with all parties. With international partners, we continue efforts to support a swift and credible conclusion to the electoral process to aid long-term peace, security and stability in Somalia.