UK expresses concern over political instability in Somalia

UK deeply concerned about political instability in Somalia. Urges all parties to resolve differences through political proces

Following plans to table a parliamentary motion calling for a vote of no confidence in the Somali Prime Minister and his government, an FCO spokesperson said:

The UK is deeply concerned that political instability risks undermining recent progress in Somalia, and delaying progress on vital political, security and development paths. Time is already short to achieve the goals set out in the Vision 2016 strategy, including elections in 2016. We therefore urge all Somali parties to resolve differences through the political process, including respecting parliamentary procedure, and to act together in the interests of Somalia.

The timing of this crisis is regrettable when the focus should be on the political process to 2016 and just before next week’s planned meeting in Copenhagen, where Somalia and its international partners should review progress against the Somalia New Deal Compact, agreed last September. The UK remains committed to helping to build a sovereign, secure, democratic, united and federal Somalia.