§ Mr. BestTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the current economic and political situation in Somalia. [132248]
§ Mr. MullinWhile Somaliland has organised successful elections, which have brought stability to that region, the overall situation in Somalia remains unsettled without any form of effective Government.
The Government continue to support the reconciliation talks between Somali leaders which are currently taking place in Nairobi under the auspices of the International Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). We believe that these talks offer the best opportunity for securing a lasting peace.
The Somaliland economy has been hit hard by the ban on livestock exports to Saudi Arabia, due to fears of transmission of Rift Valley Fever. The economy is dependent upon remittances from the diaspora.