Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their latest assessment of the (1) economic, (2) humanitarian, and (3) political, situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UK is deeply concerned about the economic and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 66 million people living in absolute poverty and a GDP per capita of only $545. It is also the world's largest food security crisis, with 27.3 million requiring food assistance. As one of the largest bilateral donors to DRC, we are providing life-saving assistance to 3 million people and playing a leading role in raising the profile of the humanitarian crisis. We are also providing basic health and education services, improving the environment for business, increasing people's incomes, and strengthening stability and governance.

Following appointment of the new Government in April, the UK is working closely with the DRC authorities to ensure that they deliver on their commitment to widespread reforms. Reforms are crucial to ensure credible 2023 elections, improve stability in the east, increase revenues, and tackle corruption to unlock DRC's huge economic potential. The Minister for Africa discussed the importance of delivering on this agenda with President Tshisekedi during his visit to DRC in November 2020 and again during a telephone call in March this year.