Written question asked by Alexander Stafford (Conservative) on Friday, 8 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 March 2024. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Monday, 18 March 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Somaliland: Commonwealth

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will support the application by Somaliland to join the Commonwealth.

Answer: The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Secondary information