Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

04 September 2024 · 4 other contributors · 8,423 words

Opened by Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North

Responding minister: Anneliese Dodds

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jeremy Corbyn raised concerns about security in the democratic republic of the congo in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Jeremy Corbyn expressed concern over the historical and ongoing issues in the DRC, including conflict-related deaths since 1996, illegal mining, and mass displacement.
  • Mr Corbyn highlighted issues such as endemic diseases, food insecurity, malnutrition, and lack of access to clean water and education in the DRC.
  • The UK Government committed 114 million for humanitarian assistance in the DRC and continues to engage with regional partners to mediate peace.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Corbyn asks the Government to elaborate on how they will emphasize their commitment to a sustainable withdrawal from MONUSCO operations in DRC, clarify their relationship with the Rwandan government and any pressure applied, increase humanitarian aid for education (both girls' and boys'), and support MONUSCO's efforts. The UK Government should address the economic drivers of conflict and illegal exploitation of natural resources in the DRC. They must also strengthen state institutions and governance, enhance regional co-operation and stability, and protect human rights to ensure accountability for violence.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North

Mr. Jeremy Corbyn is concerned about the historical and ongoing issues in the DRC, including the brutal history under King Leopold II and Belgian colonial rule, followed by decades of corruption, conflict, and human rights abuses. He highlights devastating levels of insecurity with over 6 million deaths since 1996, illegal mining, mass displacement affecting more than 7 million people in the eastern region, endemic diseases like mpox, malaria, tuberculosis, and cholera, food insecurity, malnutrition, gender-based violence, lack of access to clean water and necessities, and educational challenges. He also mentions that over one-third of children have no school to attend. I am concerned about the decades-long conflict in the DRC, which has devastated lives, destroyed communities, and destabilised an entire region. Over 6 million people have died from conflict-related causes since the late 1990s, with over 7.3 million people currently internally displaced. The conflict is fuelled by illegal mining and trade of natural resources such as gold, diamond, tin, tantalum, and cobalt. Systematic sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, causing deep trauma to entire communities.

Other contributors (4)
  • Al Pinkerton Lib Dem Surrey Heath

    The right hon. Gentleman mentioned the destructive effects of commercial organisations such as Glencore and highlighted the disruptive implications of external military forces like the Wagner Group in north Sudan and the Congo.

  • Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

    Ms Baldwin praised the debate's focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo and highlighted her personal experience visiting the country during her time as Minister for Africa. She mentioned the importance of UK aid in supporting education, health clinics, and vaccination efforts during the Ebola outbreak. She expressed concern over the intensification of conflict leading to food shortages and displacement, along with increased reports of sexual violence. Ms Baldwin also noted the impact on natural resources and the environment. She urged the new Government to continue supporting NGOs like Tearfund and to encourage Congo's government to protect civilians and engage in political processes.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The MP highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, noting that over 7 million people have been displaced and more than 13 million require urgent assistance. He emphasised the significance of addressing human rights abuses and religious persecution, particularly against Christians, citing recent terrorist attacks such as the one in Goma where 57 people were killed. Shannon also questioned the role of natural resources in fueling conflict and called for diplomatic efforts to encourage a peaceful transition of power in line with the DRC's constitution.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Richard Foord highlighted the tragic situation in North Kivu, where more than 38,000 attacks against women and girls were reported in 2022. He emphasised the importance of UK policy supporting the vulnerable people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and questioned the effectiveness of aid conditionality. Foord also discussed the re-emergence of M23 militia group and criticised the lack of joined-up government thinking, particularly highlighting a Home Office Minister's ignorance about Rwanda and DRC being different countries.

Government Response

Anneliese Dodds

It is a pleasure to participate in this debate, acknowledging the significant security challenges in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 7 million people have been displaced and more than 23 million are in need. The UK has committed £114 million for humanitarian assistance and continues to engage with regional partners like Angola to mediate peace. Peacekeeping efforts through MONUSCO face challenges, including attacks on peacekeepers and UN property. Despite this, the UK contributes £48 million annually to MONUSCO's budget and supports regionally-led peacekeeping initiatives. The minister condemns armed groups such as M23 and FDLR and reiterates support for regional peace processes like Nairobi and Luanda. Addressing health outbreaks like mpox, cholera, and measles is crucial; the UK has committed over £3 million to UNICEF for disease control. Food security is also a priority, with a new £7 million agreement with the World Food Programme. The minister highlights the need to protect women and girls from sexual violence and supports NGOs addressing conflict-related sexual violence. Resilience of civil society partners in DRC will be bolstered by UK support.

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