To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of recent civilian protest in Mogadishu on the stability of the Transitional Federal Government. (122855)

We have noted that several civilian protests have taken place in Somalia, and particularly in Mogadishu, primarily against the presence of Ethiopian troops inside Somalia. We believe that the Transitional Federal Government’s (TFG) proposed National Reconciliation Congress offers the best chance to bring peace and stability to Somalia and help the TFG win the support of the Somali people. Our officials in the region have urged the TFG to ensure that they include all parts of Somali society in the congress. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, made the same point to President Yusuf of Somalia during his official visit to the UK from 20-23 February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the UK has pledged to the African Union to establish AMISOM in Somalia; and what assistance the UK is planning to provide to (a) the National Security and Stabilization Plan and (b) the part of the plan relating to the re-establishment and training of all-inclusive Somali security forces. (124065)

In addition to advisory support to the African Union (AU) through our Representation to the AU, based in our Embassy in Addis Ababa, we are considering a significant financial contribution in this financial year to help fund the cost of the mission. We will consider further support as detailed plans for the mission develop.

We welcomed the adoption, by the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia, of the National Security and Stabilization Plan last July. The Transitional Federal Government now have a window of opportunity to implement the plan. We will work with our international partners to identify areas where we will be able to assist with the development of Somalia’s security sector.