Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of (a) the Ethiopia-Somaliland memorandum of understanding, signed on 1 January 2024, and (b) Ethiopia’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation.

The FCDO has noted that the Memorandum of Understanding suggests that Ethiopia may recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory. The UK's position remains that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve through dialogue. We are engaging with all parties to call for dialogue to prevent any escalation that might affect regional stability and our peace, humanitarian and development work throughout the region.