Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to (1) the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and (2) the African Union, to promote an end to the conflict in eastern DRC.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with President Tshisekedi to express his deep concern about M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces' advances and urge a return to peaceful negotiations. I spoke to the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) Foreign Minister to emphasise the importance of engaging in African-led processes in good faith. The UK is engaging with the African Union and partners across Africa on how to promote immediate de-escalation in eastern DRC. I also spoke with the Angolan Foreign Minister to offer continued UK support for their efforts under the Luanda process throughout their upcoming chairing of the African Union.