Djibouti questioned by Foreign Office regarding deportation of anti-China MP
A Conservative MP who has been a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party has alleged that he was deported from Djibouti, an African nation closely tied to Beijing.
Following his detention at the airport in Djibouti after arriving from Somaliland, Tim Loughton, a prominent critic of China, was escorted onto a departing flight after seven hours of questioning.
Mr. Loughton, who has a history of criticizing Beijing, made headlines recently for his involvement in calling out China’s cyber campaigns and subsequent sanctions against British MPs.
While in Djibouti, Mr. Loughton experienced a tense encounter at passport control, prompting suspicions due to his status as an MP. Despite his intentions to spend time in Djibouti, he was promptly sent back without explanation.
Mr. Loughton asserted that Djibouti’s actions were likely influenced by its close ties to China, referring to it as a Chinese “vassal state.” He believes his presence as a sanctioned MP was unwelcome to the authorities, leading to his abrupt deportation.
The British Foreign Office has sought further information from Djibouti’s government regarding Mr. Loughton’s case, expressing concern over the incident.
Mr. Loughton recently announced his decision to step down as the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham in Sussex, amidst ongoing tensions with China.
China’s Embassy denied Mr. Loughton’s allegations, while Djibouti’s government has allowed various countries, including China, France, Japan, and the United States, to establish military bases in its territory. Djibouti holds strategic importance due to its location at the southern end of the Red Sea and its proximity to major shipping routes.
Djibouti gained independence from France in 1977, and its president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has been in power since 1999, facing criticism over election irregularities in successive re-elections.
This report includes contributions from PA Media.
