Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing aid to Sierra Leone to offset the interest payments on that country’s debt.

The UK is working with the Government of Sierra Leone to create a more prosperous and inclusive country. This includes support to increase revenue generation and improve public financial management to address their debt position.

Sierra Leone is not currently in debt distress, although it is at high risk. There is an existing process through multilateral fora which countries can follow if they wish to pursue debt relief.

In the last 6 months, the UK has actively supported decisions taken by the IMF and the World Bank to provide additional financial support packages for Sierra Leone. Our contributions to the EU and African Development Bank are also supporting the Government of Sierra Leone to finance their development needs.