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Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour) on Thursday, 28 January 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Kenya: Somalia

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether any UK-trained Somali National Army units were involved in clashes on the Kenya–Somalia border between 24 and 26 January.

Answer

The UK works closely with both Somalia and Kenya on matters of security and regional stability. The Secretary of State for Defence visited Kenya and Somalia from 25 to 27 January and urged both countries to focus on their many shared interests in these areas and work together to reduce border tensions.

In response to the reported recent clashes near the Kenya-Somalia border we have also encouraged regional institutions, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to conduct independent fact-finding missions and promote conflict resolution measures. We have no basis on which to believe that UK-trained troops were involved. The UK provides training to Somali National Army units in Somalia's South West State, to support internal stability and counter Al-Shabaab, but not in the state of Jubaland where the clashes were reported.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12720
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Armed conflict Borders Somalia Kenya
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk