Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 19 February 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 March 2024. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Monday, 4 March 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Ethiopia: Somalia

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, following the signing of the Ethiopia–Somaliland memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 1 January; and (2) the impact of that MoU on regional stability and efforts to combat Al-Shabaab.

Answer: Following the signing of the MoU, the UK expressed concern about escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. Alongside international partners, we continue to encourage dialogue between Ethiopia and Somalia. We urge all parties in the region to avoid escalation and any action that threatens stability. Tackling al-Shabaab remains one of the UK's top international counter-terrorism priorities. We continue to work with Somali and international partners to strengthen the response to the terrorist threat posed by al-Shabaab in Somalia and the region.

Secondary information