Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help bring peace and stability to the Democratic Republic of Congo; and what steps he is taking to help ensure the conflict doesn't spread to other countries.

The Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February, where he was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully with African led peace processes to find a lasting political solution and avoid regional escalation. The UK will continue to discuss with partners, including in the region, what more it can do to support these efforts.

On 25 February the Foreign Secretary announced a package of measures which aim to bring about a ceasefire, avoid regional escalation and bring Rwanda back to the negotiating table.