Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Mali.

I am deeply concerned by the security situation in Mali, particularly central Mali, which has experienced a recent increase in violence. As I have previously stated, it is essential that the perpetrators are brought to justice, that the cycle of violence is ended, and that impunity is tackled.

As part of the Government's new strategic approach to Africa, we are increasing our engagement with and support to the Sahel region. Along with increasing our presence in Mali and Mauritania, we will be opening new embassies in Niger and Chad, and have created a new cross-Government Joint Sahel Department that combines our defence, development, and diplomatic expertise so that we embody a truly comprehensive approach to supporting the region to tackle its complex challenges.

The Defence Secretary visited Mali this month and announced that UK Armed Forces will deploy to Mali in 2020 in support of the UN Peacekeeping Operation; United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), to which the UK is the sixth largest funder. The existing commitment of three UK Chinooks and accompanying personnel has been extended for six months.