Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Rupa Huq (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 April 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 April 2022. It was answered by Vicky Ford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 April 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

West Africa: Climate Change and Terrorism

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her West African counterparts on tackling (a) terrorism, (b) climate change and (c) piracy in those countries; and what steps the Government is taking to support West African countries to tackle those threats.

Answer

Regional security was a core focus of my recent visits to Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana, during which I met with the Foreign Minister of each country to discuss insecurity and how the UK can support. I was able to see first-hand the training offered by UK military personnel to Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana, including support to tackle the growing threats of terrorism and piracy. For example, in Nigeria, I observed Royal Navy personnel training Nigerian counterparts on counter-piracy. Earlier this month I met for a second time with the Vice President of the Economic Community of West African States to discuss insecurity across West Africa, including in the Sahel. On 5 April, the Prime Minister met with the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, to discuss how the UK and Ghana can strengthen our security partnership.

At the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence dialogue in February, we agreed future cooperation to respond to shared threats, and to support Nigerian efforts to tackle a range of security challenges. Last year we also committed £12.6 million to support efforts to counter terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin. We are also committed to building counter-piracy and maritime security capabilities in the region through the implementation of the Yaoundé maritime security architecture. In 2021, the UK was co-chair with Senegal of the maritime security group, the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea, and supported the launch of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum, to help build capacity and collaboration between regional navies. We also deployed HMS Trent to the region during our G7 Presidency.

On climate change, at COP26 the UK committed £143.5 million to support African countries to adapt to the impact of extreme weather and changing climate. During my visit to Nigeria, I was pleased to announce substantial new UK investments to support renewable and climate change projects. Our COP26 Regional Ambassador visited Senegal and the Gambia in March this year, to take part in the World Water Forum and further our ambitions from COP26.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
155850
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Climate change Piracy Terrorism West Africa
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk