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 support (a) the African Union and (b) civil society groups in ensuring that National Assembly elections in Senegal planned for July 2022 are peaceful, free and fair.

The National Assembly elections in Senegal in July will be the responsibility of the Government of Senegal, all political parties, and the Senegalese people. Peaceful, free and credible elections, in line with international law, are an opportunity to build long-term peace and stability in Senegal. Our Ambassador and Embassy in Dakar regularly engage with government and civil society groups to reinforce these messages.

The African Union (AU) provides important support to African nations' development, cooperation and democratic processes. The UK has pledged £35 million (2018 - 22) towards the African Union's objectives, including on peace and security and governance. The UK provides further support to the AU's Political Analysis Cell, which supports democratic processes, including free elections, and transitional justice in countries undergoing political transition. I underlined the importance of Senegal as a stable democracy which supports regional security and stability in West Africa, during my visit in November.