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Written question asked by Owen Thompson (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 25 January 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 January 2022. It was answered by Vicky Ford (Conservative) on Monday, 31 January 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

West Africa: Security

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment has she made of the (a) security and (b) political stability in West Africa following recent coups d'etat in that region.

Answer

The UK Government routinely monitors and assesses security and political dynamics across West Africa. We are concerned by the deteriorating situation across the Sahel, and the tangible impact this has on security across the West Africa region. We have joined the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and international partners to condemn recent coups, including in Burkina Faso this month, in Guinea in September 2021, and in Mali in May 2021. We support regional mediation efforts and call for the return to democratic, civilian and constitutional rule without delay.

In a call with President Brou on 19 November 2021 I was able to set out the UK's continued support for ECOWAS' efforts. It is vital that across the region all parties engage in peaceful dialogue to ease tensions, prevent any further violence, respect human rights, and uphold democratic principles including the rule of law. We continue to work with our international partners to address the implications of these coups and to monitor each situation closely.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111656
Session
2021-22
Related items
Guinea-Bissau: Politics and Government
Wednesday, 9 February 2022
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Politics and government Security West Africa
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk