Though Britain is yet to recognize her former protectorate Somaliland as a sovereign country, the UK government remains her biggest development and humanitarian donors.
Dplomatically the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London is locally represented by a resident head British Office Hargeisa.
Currently the office is headed by Lizzie Walker who assumed her duties in Hargeisa replaced Stuart Brown who had been at the British in Hargeisa since 2019.
An Experienced Governance and Conflict Advisor with a demonstrated history of working in the international development field, Ms Walker is also Skilled in Government, Programme Management, Research, Public Policy. Strong analytical, advisory, programme leadership and policy development skills with a Human Rights MA from Birkbeck College, University of London.
Just like her predecessor Ms Walker is an indefatigable diplomat has has within her short stint in the country been engaged in several activities
Some of her recent engagements revealed through her official twitter handle Include Breaking Ramadan fast, Iftar, with women in Hargeisa , tour of the Somaliland Firebrigade, parlerying Government officials, championing media freedom, support to drought affected communities among many others.
Hopefully this activities will ensue with the full UK recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign nation.
A wonderful iftar last night with @KFosterFCDO and some brilliant #Somaliland women. I’ve been so inspired by all of the women I’ve met in my first few months here – experienced, ambitious and positive citizens who are fighting for fairness pic.twitter.com/pnlfuYoATE
— Lizzie Walker (@LizzieWFCDO) April 21, 2022
.@KFosterFCDO and the team visited the @SLfireservice HQ yesterday to hear about their incredibly impressive response to the #HargeisaFire and the need for better fire safety across #Somaliland. @AbdikarimMoge joined us to share updates on the recovery plans for the city. pic.twitter.com/VVQSQUH3aV
— Lizzie Walker (@LizzieWFCDO) April 21, 2022
The president of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Muse Bihi Abdi, accompanied by the Foreign Minister Dr. Essa Kayd Mohamoud, received in his office a delegation from the UK government led by Amb. Kate Foster. pic.twitter.com/LxbRTz4g7h
— MFA Somaliland (@somalilandmfa) April 20, 2022
.@KFosterFCDO and I met with @solja_org and other journalists today. Really important that media freedom in #Somaliland is protected and that journalism standards are upheld. The Media law is essential to these standards and protections. pic.twitter.com/31XDNFawxi
— Lizzie Walker (@LizzieWFCDO) April 20, 2022
A good meeting with @DrEssaKayd @hargeisafire1 & donors in Nairobi on the #HargeisaFire. Needs are becoming clearer.
committed immediate technical support & longer term assistance to Hargeisa. A commitment from all to inclusion, coordination and transparency
— Lizzie Walker (@LizzieWFCDO) April 12, 2022
It’s #WorldHealthDay2022. We’re still waiting on the rains in #Somaliland. Amidst the ongoing drought we’ve seen increased malnutrition. With
— Lizzie Walker (@LizzieWFCDO) April 7, 2022
