Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the governments of (a) Democratic Republic of the Congo, (b) Uganda, (c) Rwanda, (d) other states neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo and (e) UN MONUSCO in relation to (i) recent violence within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and (ii) allegations of destabilising support for rebel groups within the Democratic Republic of the Congo by neighbouring states.

The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is concerning. The UK is committed to supporting efforts to build stability and reduce violence in the country. In recent weeks our regional network has raised our concerns about the recent increase in violence, protection of civilians and increased movement of armed groups with the governments of DRC, Uganda and Rwanda, as well as the leadership of the UN Peacekeeping Mission, MONUSCO.

Our Heads of Mission to DRC and Rwanda have met with DRC President Tshisikedi and the acting Rwandan Foreign Minister respectively, and the Minister for Africa has met with the Ugandan Foreign Minister. At the UN Security Council on 29 March, we urged the Governments of DRC and Uganda to increase their coordination with MONUSCO, to ensure the protection of civilians and the safety and security of UN personnel and humanitarian workers. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and engage bilaterally to improve the security situation.