Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ethiopia

Tuesday 24 November 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia is a concern for both humanitarian impact and regional stability.
  • The Foreign Secretary spoke to Prime Minister Abiy and discussed the need for de-escalation of violence, humanitarian access, and protection of civilians.
  • Discussions with international partners are ongoing to address the risk of the Tigray conflict spilling over to neighbouring countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart McDonald SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Tigray which has implications for humanitarian aid access and regional stability.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the political and security situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia?

Answer from Dominic Raab

We are very concerned about the conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, in terms of both the humanitarian impact and the risk of spill-over and spread through the region.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific recent assessment or details on political/security situation

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Ethiopia and Djibouti highlights concerns about the current situation due to conflict after previous stability, compounded by locust problem and COVID-19.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary agree that finding a peaceful solution is necessary and will he do everything to ensure aid reaches Tigray?

Answer from Dominic Raab

I thank my hon. Friend and pay tribute to the work that he has done in this regard. I share his concern. I spoke to Prime Minister Abiy on 10 November. We have made it clear that there needs to be a de-escalation of violence, humanitarian access and protection of civilians.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to ensuring aid reaches Tigray people

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Q3 Stuart McDonald SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns raised about the impact of pulling Ethiopian troops out of Somalia due to redeployment in Tigray, coupled with potential US troop withdrawal.

Question

What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with international partners to ensure that Tigray does not destabilise Somalia?

Answer from Dominic Raab

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. As my hon. Friend the Member for Tewkesbury (Mr Robertson) made clear, Ethiopia has been a relative success story lately, but there is a real danger for the people of Ethiopia and he has highlighted the risks of spillover to Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on discussions with international partners

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Q4 Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern over the delay in addressing the conflict and humanitarian crisis, reminiscent of past tragedies. Inquiry about the role of international bodies like the UN.

Question

Why has it taken until today for the UN Security Council to meet on this issue? What measures are being taken to secure humanitarian corridors and monitor human rights?

Answer from Dominic Raab

I share the hon. Gentleman's horror at some of the reports of the civilian casualties. We take this incredibly seriously, energetically and actively at the United Nations. Let me reassure him that UK funding is already helping those in urgent need of assistance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explain delay in UN Security Council meeting or specific measures for securing humanitarian corridors and monitoring human rights

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