Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2006. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Somalia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his assessment is of the extent to which political instability in Somalia has contributed to the current humanitarian situation.

Answer: The immediate cause of the current crisis in Somalia is an unusually severe drought. However, Somalia has been without a recognised central Government since 1992, and has seen repeated political conflict. This has certainly contributed to the severity of the current crisis.An effective central authority could:"target resources to the worst affected communities;""help ensure the provision of basic services; and""could contribute to the safety and security of relief operations."A government could also play a key role in co-ordinating development efforts in the country to reduce the impact of natural disasters.The UK is helping to end the political instability by assisting with the establishment of the transitional federal institutions. The Transitional Parliament is currently meeting in Baidoa. Although there are considerable risks, as demonstrated by the continuing fighting in the capital Mogadishu, we believe this is the best opportunity yet for moving Somalia forward.

Secondary information