UK reaffirms commitment to peace, protection and
development in the DRC
- UK commits more than £13 million for lifesaving
assistance, protection services, and support for survivors of
conflict-related sexual violence
- Minister for Development and Africa hears first hand from those
delivering frontline services including UN peacekeepers, aid
workers, midwives and women peacebuilders.
- New UK-backed investments to drive sustainable economic
growth, including expanding finance for small businesses and
support for clean energy projects
Visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), , Minister for Africa and
International Development reaffirms the UK's commitment to
peace, humanitarian action, tackling conflict‑related sexual
violence, and strengthening the foundations for sustainable
growth and stability.
During visits to the capital Kinshasa and Beni in eastern DRC, a
part of the country with a long history of instability and
conflict, the minister met President Félix Tshisekedi and Vice
Foreign Minister Ayenganagato Noella Ayenganagato, as well as UN
peacekeepers, health and humanitarian partners, women
peacebuilders and civil society organisations working on the
frontlines of the conflict.
During the visit the UK announced £7.3 million in extra
humanitarian support to communities affected by escalating
conflict in eastern DRC and the wider region.
This includes £3 million for much needed urgent help such as
clean water, hygiene and protection services for families forced
to flee in DRC; £2 million for the International Committee of the
Red Cross providing emergency healthcare, including trauma
surgery and specialist support for survivors of sexual and
gender‑based violence in DRC; and £2.3 million for the World Food
Programme providing emergency food and nutrition assistance for
up to 132,000 refugees in Burundi who have fled violence.
In eastern DRC, met UN peacekeepers serving
with MONUSCO, women peacebuilders, and humanitarian organisations
delivering UK‑funded assistance. She visited a hospital and a
centre in Beni that provide specialist care for survivors of
sexual violence, which will receive a funding increase from
previous years through an additional £6 million to UNFPA for
sexual and reproductive health services and support for survivors
of sexual and gender-based violence. She also visited a nearby
centre supporting survivors, where she saw first-hand the impact
of ongoing UK-funded emergency healthcare, protection and
psychosocial services.
, Minister for Africa and
International Development, said:
“Years of conflict in the DRC have left countless survivors of
sexual violence in need of specialised, dedicated support. In
responding to such immense need, Congolese professionals have
developed world leading expertise in holistic care.”
“The specialist centre in Beni, and the very fact it is needed,
was desperately sad, but what they are doing there is also hugely
inspiring. Seeing the bravery and resilience of the survivors and
the professionalism and compassion of those working with them was
inspiring.
“The situation remains urgent for communities in eastern DRC –
it's vital that the international community stays engaged.
“The UK is stepping up support to save lives, protect civilians
and back women and communities working for peace on the ground.
At the same time, we are using our aid investment and expertise
to grow economic opportunities and resilience – investing in
clean energy, jobs and growth that are the cornerstones of
stability.
The visit reaffirmed the UK's support for regional peace efforts
and UN peacekeeping, including MONUSCO's role in protecting
civilians. This year the DRC takes on chairmanship of the
International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
this year which works to uphold international humanitarian law,
humanitarian access and accountability for abuses. The UK serves
as vice-chair.
During her visit the UK also formally launched the UK–DRC Chamber
of Commerce, strengthening commercial ties and supporting British
and Congolese businesses to trade and invest together.
The UK also announced a $25 million (£18.7m) British
International Investment loan to Rawbank, the DRC's largest
commercial bank, expanding access to finance for small and
medium‑sized enterprises and non-mining corporates, and
supporting jobs and inclusive economic growth.
In addition, confirmed new UK‑backed
investments in clean energy and agriculture, including support
for capital investment in the Sustainable Energy for Africa Fund,
in partnership with the African Development Bank, to support the
Moyi Power, which will help deliver reliable and cleaner
electricity to up to 700,000 people in northern DRC, and funding
to improve access to finance for climate‑smart agribusinesses.
