Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure long-term stability and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UK is deeply concerned about violence, instability and the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in the east. Protecting communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo from violence is an immediate priority, which is why the UK, alongside other UN Security Council members, has ensured that the protection of civilians remains central to the mandate of the UN peace keeping Mission, MONUSCO. Since 2017, the UK's humanitarian programme has helped over three million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with cash, emergency nutrition, water and healthcare. Longer term, the UK's peace and stability programme is providing access to livelihoods, helping secure land access and supporting inclusive dialogue to address the drivers of conflict in conflict-affected communities, and we are working towards the eradication of poverty through the provision of enhanced access to basic services, increased economic opportunities, and by strengthening governance. The Minister for Africa discussed the importance of tackling these issues with President Tshisekedi during his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2020 and again during a telephone call in March this year.