Feb. 05 2024
Source Page: UK announces £100 million of new aid for over three million vulnerable people in Ethiopia as humanitarian crisis deepensFound: affecting regional stability, including the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the Somaliland
Mentions:
1: Viscount Waverley (XB - Excepted Hereditary) there been of extending outreach in a winning combination of the two, utilising the port of Berbera in Somaliland - Speech Link
2: Viscount Waverley (XB - Excepted Hereditary) My Lords, some time ago, I proposed to the Minister, the noble Lord, Lord Ahmad, that Somaliland be recognised - Speech Link
Feb. 02 2024
Source Page: Building a New Scotland papers: downloadable versionsFound: countries: Senate of Lesotho Lesotho Senate – Lesotho Senate (parliament.ls) , House of Elders in Somaliland
Oral Evidence Jan. 31 2024
Inquiry: Daesh InquiryFound: are an al-Shabaab person, they have been British for two minutes and then they go out to fight in Somaliland
Mentions:
1: Andrew Mitchell (Con - Sutton Coldfield) cases she publicly supported in 2022, two were released last year: Hannah Abdimalik, a Christian in Somaliland - Speech Link
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of (a) the Ethiopia-Somaliland memorandum of understanding, signed on 1 January 2024, and (b) Ethiopia’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The FCDO has noted that the Memorandum of Understanding suggests that Ethiopia may recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory. The UK's position remains that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve through dialogue. We are engaging with all parties to call for dialogue to prevent any escalation that might affect regional stability and our peace, humanitarian and development work throughout the region.
Asked by: Tim Loughton (Conservative - East Worthing and Shoreham)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will publish conditions for contact with the Government of the Republic of Somaliland on the formal recognition of that state.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The UK's position on Somaliland's independence is clear; the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve through dialogue, in which we encourage both sides to engage. It is not for the UK to pre-empt that process or determine its outcome.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he plans to visit Somaliland in the next 12 months.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
There are no current plans for Foreign Office Ministers to visit Somaliland. The UK is one of very few Western countries with a permanent diplomatic presence in Somaliland, and through our office there we engage closely with the Somaliland authorities on a range of issues.
Mentions:
1: Fiona Bruce (Con - Congleton) so please support that campaign.Other cases include that of 27-year-old Hoodo Abdi Abdillahi, from Somaliland—I - Speech Link
Asked by: Alexander Stafford (Conservative - Rother Valley)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Somaliland, (b) Somalia, (c) Ethiopia and (d) the African Union on the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The FCDO has noted the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which suggests that Ethiopia will recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory. We are concerned by escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa and are engaging with all relevant parties through our posts in the region to call for calm and encourage dialogue. The UK has reaffirmed its respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.