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House
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Benn, Hilary (25)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of elections due to take place in November 2016 on political stability in Democratic Republic of Congo.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of elections due to take place in November 2016 on political stability in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Asked by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Hammond of Runnymede
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 March 2016
For answer on
11 April 2016
Answered on
11 April 2016
The Government is concerned that elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may not take place by the Constitutional deadline in November 2016. We believe that it is still technically possible to hold the elections on time and remain committed to doing what we can to support this process.
On 4 March 2016 the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my Hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (Mr Hurd), announced in Kinshasa that the UK was prepared to make available £11.4 million to support the elections provided that certain conditions were met. These conditions include the production of a credible timetable and budget for the elections.
We have called upon the Government of the DRC to ensure that political freedoms, freedom of media and speech and human rights are respected to ensure a peaceful and fair environment for the elections. We have also called upon all actors to respect the law and avoid inciting violence and disorder.
Subjects
Elections; Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
11 April 2016
Reference
32549
House
House of Commons
I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Despite all the difficulties that we have just been discussing, the transitional Government represented real progress and the elections—the first for 43 years— were extraordinary. I join him in paying tribute to the contribution of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I agree with him that MONUC has got to stay there for quite some time, because the country needs the security and the reassurance that it provides. I specifically raised with President Kabila the issue of space for the Opposition. I met members of the Opposition both in the National Assembly and separately. It was hoped recently that they would meet President Kabila. I understand that that meeting has not taken place, although they met one of his advisers. Some of the Opposition have now gone back into Parliament, having boycotted it for a while. This issue is the real test. In the end, President Kabila is the President of the whole country and he has a great responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to reach out to all those who won representation in the elections and to show that the Congo will be a country in which people can say what they think and participate in that very fragile democracy, which, if they commit to it, will allow the country to move forward. I can assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that we are going to stick with that process every step of the way.
I agree with the hon. Gentleman. Despite all the difficulties that we have just been discussing, the transitional Government represented real progress and the elections—the first for 43 years— were extraordinary. I join him in paying tribute to the contribution of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I agree with him that MONUC has got to stay there for quite some time, because the country needs the security and the reassurance that it provides. I specifically raised with President Kabila the issue of space for the Opposition. I met members of the Opposition both in the National Assembly and separately. It was hoped recently that they would meet President Kabila. I understand that that meeting has not taken place, although they met one of his advisers. Some of the Opposition have now gone back into Parliament, having boycotted it for a while. This issue is the real test. In the end, President Kabila is the President of the whole country and he has a great responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to reach out to all those who won representation in the elections and to show that the Congo will be a country in which people can say what they think and participate in that very fragile democracy, which, if they commit to it, will allow the country to move forward. I can assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that we are going to stick with that process every step of the way.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Andrew Mitchell
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
In spite of the Congo’s awful history and the accurate comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), does the Secretary of State agree that the recent elections, the performance of the United Nations forces, whose mandate must be renewed, and the support of the British taxpayer all give some grounds for optimism in a country whose stability and prosperity is crucial to that of all of Africa? Since it is clear that building space for the Opposition in Parliament there is of vital importance, will he say a little more about his Department’s future plans for supporting the promotion of that?
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c141-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I agree completely with everything that the hon. Gentleman says. The DRC is a country where virtually everything is broken. That is the truth, as I saw for myself on my recent visit, and as did the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Mitchell), the Opposition spokesman on international development, who has also been there recently. I raised precisely that point in my meeting with President Kabila, because the people of the Congo want to see that the Government will reach out and embrace the Opposition there and allow civil society the time and space to acquire a voice. In that way, for the first time in their lives, people will be able to experience good governance. Unless good governance comes to the Congo, none of the problems to which the hon. Gentleman referred will be dealt with, but establishing it will take time.
I agree completely with everything that the hon. Gentleman says. The DRC is a country where virtually everything is broken. That is the truth, as I saw for myself on my recent visit, and as did the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Mitchell), the Opposition spokesman on international development, who has also been there recently. I raised precisely that point in my meeting with President Kabila, because the people of the Congo want to see that the Government will reach out and embrace the Opposition there and allow civil society the time and space to acquire a voice. In that way, for the first time in their lives, people will be able to experience good governance. Unless good governance comes to the Congo, none of the problems to which the hon. Gentleman referred will be dealt with, but establishing it will take time.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Robert Neill
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Secretary of State agree with the continuing concerns highlighted on Radio 4’s ““Today”” programme this morning about arbitrary arrest and violence by President Kabila’s regime towards political opponents? There are also problems of rampant corruption, especially in the extractive industries, and a continuing history of lack of development in the basic infrastructure. Will the Government put renewed pressure on President Kabila to end those autocratic practices, as without a real and meaningful development of civil society all our increased aid budget will be frittered away? Is not a significant civil society a prerequisite for meaningful and long-term economic development?
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c139-40
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and to hon. Members on all sides of the House for the interest that they have taken in the Congo. Indeed, a number of hon. Members acted as observers in the elections to which the UK was proud to be the largest contributor. That was an extraordinary moment in the country’s history.
My hon. Friend is right to say that the DRC does not lack for natural wealth. The truth is that it has been raped and pillaged—first by its colonial masters, and then by some of the neighbouring countries. That treatment is now being continued by some Congolese, but good governance is the solution, as that will ensure that the natural resources are used in the interests of the people and not of the private pocket.
On education, we are working with the World Bank on a programme to help abolish school fees in part of the country. For the very poorest families, they act as an obstacle to getting children into the classroom, which is where they belong. Education, good governance and an open form of politics are three essential elements that must be secured if the country is to make progress.
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and to hon. Members on all sides of the House for the interest that they have taken in the Congo. Indeed, a number of hon. Members acted as observers in the elections to which the UK was proud to be the largest contributor. That was an extraordinary moment in the country’s history.
My hon. Friend is right to say that the DRC does not lack for natural wealth. The truth is that it has been raped and pillaged—first by its colonial masters, and then by some of the neighbouring countries. That treatment is now being continued by some Congolese, but good governance is the solution, as that will ensure that the natural resources are used in the interests of the people and not of the private pocket.
On education, we are working with the World Bank on a programme to help abolish school fees in part of the country. For the very poorest families, they act as an obstacle to getting children into the classroom, which is where they belong. Education, good governance and an open form of politics are three essential elements that must be secured if the country is to make progress.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Jeremy Corbyn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
I strongly commend the Secretary of State for the huge personal effort that he has made, and the amount of work that he has done, in supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in getting the election process there under way. Will he do his best to ensure that the Government of the DRC use the country’s enormous mineral wealth, and any aid that is being donated, to develop primary education? I visited the DRC last year as an election observer, and it seemed to me that the illiteracy rate was rising not falling. Unless we address that, all the other development goals will be impossible to achieve.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c140
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
President Kabila expressed to me his commitment to the democratic process. In the end, the international community should judge the President and the country by what it does, as well as by what it says. Only time will provide the answer. On EUSEC, we have provided support in the form of the secondment of staff and we have provided funding, as I indicated in answer to an earlier question. For the reasons that I set out, it is important that the process of army integration continues.
President Kabila expressed to me his commitment to the democratic process. In the end, the international community should judge the President and the country by what it does, as well as by what it says. Only time will provide the answer. On EUSEC, we have provided support in the form of the secondment of staff and we have provided funding, as I indicated in answer to an earlier question. For the reasons that I set out, it is important that the process of army integration continues.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Judy Mallaber
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
I also applaud the work of the Secretary of State and the progress that has been made in the DRC. Will he tell us a bit more about what President Kabila said, on the Secretary of State’s recent visit, about providing space for the Opposition? We have met Opposition politicians here who have been concerned about that. What support can we continue to give via EUSEC—the EU security sector reform mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—in particular in relation to the crucial issue of the security forces and their integration?
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c142
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The cultural and political change—if I may describe it in that way—to which my hon. Friend refers in the Congo can be described only as work in progress, because it has a long way to go. Army integration is an example of that. There has been some progress, but one of the difficulties is that the large amount of money that comes out of the Exchequer every month to pay for the armed forces does not bear a direct relationship to the number of soldiers who need paying. One of the points that I made to President Kabila both on my recent visit and previously is that if the Government of the DRC want the international community to give more support to army integration—the UK is doing something to provide tents and clean water to those who are part of the integrated brigade—they have to demonstrate that the money that the donors are putting in is being used for the purpose for which it is intended. Army integration is crucial to the future of the country. The country has to stop having separate armed forces representing separate political groups. There is one elected President. The army must come behind that President and act on behalf of the country as a whole.
The cultural and political change—if I may describe it in that way—to which my hon. Friend refers in the Congo can be described only as work in progress, because it has a long way to go. Army integration is an example of that. There has been some progress, but one of the difficulties is that the large amount of money that comes out of the Exchequer every month to pay for the armed forces does not bear a direct relationship to the number of soldiers who need paying. One of the points that I made to President Kabila both on my recent visit and previously is that if the Government of the DRC want the international community to give more support to army integration—the UK is doing something to provide tents and clean water to those who are part of the integrated brigade—they have to demonstrate that the money that the donors are putting in is being used for the purpose for which it is intended. Army integration is crucial to the future of the country. The country has to stop having separate armed forces representing separate political groups. There is one elected President. The army must come behind that President and act on behalf of the country as a whole.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Chris Mullin
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does my right hon. Friend believe that the Congo’s ruling elite has understood that the purpose of government is to benefit the welfare of the people, and that it is not an exercise in looting? What progress has been made towards the integration of the army? As he knows, it does not defend the people but poses a threat to their welfare.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c141
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
May I simply say that the development of civil society is vital for all countries and communities, including Zimbabwe? As I have said to the hon. Gentleman before, if the countries neighbouring Zimbabwe spoke up more loudly and truthfully about what is going on there we would see faster progress towards enabling the people of Zimbabwe—and of the DRC—to express their views, openly and without fear, about what they want to happen to the future of their country.
May I simply say that the development of civil society is vital for all countries and communities, including Zimbabwe? As I have said to the hon. Gentleman before, if the countries neighbouring Zimbabwe spoke up more loudly and truthfully about what is going on there we would see faster progress towards enabling the people of Zimbabwe—and of the DRC—to express their views, openly and without fear, about what they want to happen to the future of their country.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Nicholas Winterton
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
I commend the Secretary of State for what he is doing in Africa and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but he will be aware that the Government of that country and President Kabila have a unique relationship with President Mugabe in Zimbabwe. Is the right hon. Gentleman able to exert pressure on Zimbabwe, through President Kabila, to promote civil society in that country? I hope that he feels that we should use every avenue open to us to try and bring a change in Zimbabwe, as well as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c140
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We have given significant support to civil society in the DRC, both before and during the elections, to enable organisations to undertake civic education and to act as observers, and we are also supporting the media to help improve accountability. More than 30 per cent. of our support goes mostly to international non-governmental organisations to deliver programmes. That support will include £27 million over three years to two large NGOs to provide free basic health care in 20 health areas.
We have given significant support to civil society in the DRC, both before and during the elections, to enable organisations to undertake civic education and to act as observers, and we are also supporting the media to help improve accountability. More than 30 per cent. of our support goes mostly to international non-governmental organisations to deliver programmes. That support will include £27 million over three years to two large NGOs to provide free basic health care in 20 health areas.
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Asked by
Robert Neill
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Oral answers to questions
What steps he is taking to promote civil society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c139
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What steps he is taking to promote civil society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What steps he is taking to promote civil society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Asked by
Robert Neill
(Conservative)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 May 2007
For answer on
9 May 2007
Answered on
9 May 2007
We have given significant support to civil society in the DRC, both before and during the elections, to enable organisations to undertake civic education and to act as observers, and we are also supporting the media to help improve accountability. More than 30 per cent. of our support goes mostly to international non-governmental organisations to deliver programmes. That support will include £27 million over three years to two large NGOs to provide free basic health care in 20 health areas.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
9 May 2007
Reference
460 c139; 136205
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the prospects for lasting peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the prospects for lasting peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Asked by
Baroness Featherstone
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 February 2007
For answer on
2 March 2007
Answered on
7 March 2007
The successful elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2006 were a major step forward in securing lasting peace in the DRC. The people of the DRC have a democratically elected President, parliament and provincial assemblies for the first time since 1960. However, the elections are only the first step towards peace and the DRC Government, with co-ordinated support from international partners, will need to tackle several priority issues to maintain the political settlement achieved through the elections and consolidate peace and security:"Reform of the army, police and justice system, to ensure they provide security for DRC’s citizens and legal and peaceful means of addressing grievances and resolving disputes;""Ensuring the new democratic system as inclusive as possible so that all groups feel their voices are heard and that the Government are accountable; and""Ensuring that the Government delivers early and tangible benefits to DRC’s population."I believe that now is a time for cautious optimism for the DRC. Success or failure at sustaining peace ultimately depends on the choice of DRC’s politicians, however, the international community can continue to provide vital political, technical and financial support to help increase the chances of success. DFID has rapidly increased its support to the DRC, from £5.56 million in 2001-02 to £67 million available this year.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
7 March 2007
Reference
457 c2001-2W;457 c1987-8W; 125178
House
House of Commons
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley (Judy Mallaber) on securing the debate, and I congratulate her and other hon. Members on their interest in the Congo. I pay tribute to the all-party groups on the great lakes region and genocide prevention and on street children. Fifteen...
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley (Judy Mallaber) on securing the debate, and I congratulate her and other hon. Members on their interest in the Congo. I pay tribute to the all-party groups on the great lakes region and genocide prevention and on street children. Fifteen...
Member
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Type
Proceeding contributions
Subjects
Children; Armed conflict; Development aid; Elections; Education; Electricity; Politics and government; Schools; Water supply; Vaccination; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
7 March 2007
Reference
457 c463-6WH;457 c465-7WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on UK Government assistance to post-election Democratic Republic of Congo.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on UK Government assistance to post-election Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lead member
Judy Mallaber
Answering member
Hilary Benn
Department
Department for International Development
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
Children; Armed conflict; Development aid; Elections; Education; Electricity; Politics and government; Schools; Water supply; Vaccination; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
7 March 2007
Reference
457 c443-66WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will review whether the arrest of former presidential candidate Marie-Thérèse Nlandu should lead to changes in the aid programme to the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will review whether the arrest of former presidential candidate Marie-Thérèse Nlandu should lead to changes in the aid programme to the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Fiona Mactaggart
(Labour)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 December 2006
For answer on
8 January 2007
Answered on
10 January 2007
The British ambassador in Kinshasa has spoken to the Interior Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and advisers to President Kabila on several occasions regarding the detention of Marie Therese Nlandu. We and European partners raised our concerns that Mme Nlandu's human rights, particularly her access to legal representation, were not being respected. The British embassy in Kinshasa continues to monitor the situation closely.The UK's development programme is focused on improving the lives of poor people in DRC and preventing a return to the violence that has blighted progress there. About half of our £62 million programme is spent on meeting urgent humanitarian needs. The other half is used to promote longer term development, for example, we have supported distribution of anti-malaria bednets to protect one million people and supported mobile courts to deliver justice in some areas unserved for many years. It is important that this DFID support, including reform of the judiciary, continues.
Subjects
Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Nlandu, Marie-Thérèse
Date
10 January 2007
Reference
112879; 455 c580-1W;455 c578-9W
House
House of Commons
I visited Northern Uganda on 15 and16 May to look at the situation on the ground in and to discuss the conflict and other issues affecting our development partnership with President Museveni and his Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa. The security situation in northern Uganda has improved over the last year,...
I visited Northern Uganda on 15 and16 May to look at the situation on the ground in and to discuss the conflict and other issues affecting our development partnership with President Museveni and his Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa. The security situation in northern Uganda has improved over the last year,...
Member
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Department
Department for International Development
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Arrests; Armed conflict; Crimes against humanity; Humanitarian aid; International Criminal Court; Politics and government; Ministers; Sudan; Uganda; Internally displaced people; Visits abroad; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Resettlement
Date
23 May 2006
Reference
446 c81-2WS
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the outcomes were of the discussions that the Minister had with President Kabila, Vice President Ruberwa, Vice President Bemba and Foreign Minister Ghonda on his recent trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the outcomes were of the discussions that the Minister had with President Kabila, Vice President Ruberwa, Vice President Bemba and Foreign Minister Ghonda on his recent trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Asked by
Brian Jenkins
(Labour)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 May 2004
For answer on
13 May 2004
Answered on
13 May 2004
Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcomes were of the discussions that the Minister
had with President Kabila, Vice President Ruberwa, Vice President Bemba and Foreign Minister Ghonda on his recent trip to the
Democratic Republic of Congo. [172503]
Hilary Benn: I visited the DRC recently to discuss the transition process with the President and Vice-Presidents. We agreed that the
TNG and the international community needed to focus on making the transition work by addressing the critical security issues and
establishing the necessary stable environment for the elections planned for next year.
Subjects
Politics and government; Visits abroad; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
13 May 2004
Reference
172503; 421 c499W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the ability of the Democratic Republic of Congo to hold a general election in 2005; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the ability of the Democratic Republic of Congo to hold a general election in 2005; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
John Barrett
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 January 2004
For answer on
27 January 2004
Answered on
27 January 2004
John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the ability of the
Democratic Republic of Congo to hold a general election in 2005; and if he will make a statement. [150109]
Hilary Benn: The Electoral Assistance Division of the UN Department of Political Affairs recently completed a feasibility study to
assist the transitional Congolese authorities to identify a comprehensive set of options for organising and conducting elections in
2005. The objective is to ensure that the transitional government receives the support necessary to enable it to hold a successful
general election at that stage. Experts from the European Commission are also advising the government on options, in consultation
with the rest of the international community. DFID is participating in these discussions.
Subjects
Democracy; Elections; Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
27 January 2004
Reference
417 c281-2W; 150109
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if his Department will (a) arrange and (b) fund a delegation of senior former Members of Parliament to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advise on democracy building.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if his Department will (a) arrange and (b) fund a delegation of senior former Members of Parliament to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advise on democracy building.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 January 2004
For answer on
27 January 2004
Answered on
27 January 2004
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if his Department will (a) arrange and (b) fund a delegation
of senior former Members of Parliament to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advise on democracy building. [149192]
Hilary Benn: We are in discussion with Members of the Congolese Parliament, groups outside Parliament and the Westminster Foundation
here, about the best ways in which the UK can support the strengthening of democracy during the transition in the DRC. For example,
we are just beginning an important project with the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa to help develop frameworks for political
party development and the democratic functioning of the Parliament. We are also currently considering support to the constitutional
process, and possible visits by Congolese politicians to other countries to focus on particular issues of interest. We will keep in
view whether a visit by senior former Members of Parliament would be a priority activity for democratic development in the DRC
during the short transitional period.
Subjects
Democracy; Politics and government; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
27 January 2004
Reference
417 c281W; 149192
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lead member
Ann McKechin
Answering member
Hilary Benn
Department
Department for International Development
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
Armed conflict; Development aid; Human rights; International assistance; HIV/AIDS; Peacekeeping operations; Politics and government; Peace negotiations; Democratic Republic of the Congo; United Nations
Date
17 December 2003
Reference
415 c251-73WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) financial and (b) other assistance his Department (i) is providing and (ii) plans to provide to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) financial and (b) other assistance his Department (i) is providing and (ii) plans to provide to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Vincent Cable
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 November 2003
For answer on
11 November 2003
Answered on
11 November 2003
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what (a) financial and (b) other assistance his Department
(i) is providing and (ii) plans to provide to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement.
[136860]
Hilary Benn: So long as the transition process remains on track, DFID is planning a significant increase in support to the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the period 2003-06, with a view to helping DRC make progress towards the Millennium
Development Goals.
We have recently informed the Transitional National Government (TNG) of the DRC, and made public, a significant increase in our
programme for DRC to £23 million for 2003-04, following the installation of the TNG this summer. The UK is working with other
bilateral donors and multi-lateral agencies to ensure a coordinated response to the needs of the DRC. In 2002-03, in addition to £16
million in bilateral assistance, the UK contributed approximately £9 million through the EU, £26 million through the World Bank and
£36 million through the UN agencies (including the United Nations Mission to DRC).
Ensuring a successful transition process, including the successful embedding of the TNG, is crucial to our overall goal of ensuring
peace and poverty reduction in the DRC and through that, the region as a whole. As a member of the Kinshasa-based International
Committee for Support to the Transition, we are pressing for a well developed and shared understanding between donors and government
of the transition process, as well as strong day-to-day co-ordination of donor support.
We are providing direct support for the basic infrastructure needs of the Transition Institutions, which include the Offices of the
President and the four Vice Presidents, Government, Parliament, Senate, Supreme Court and the five Democracy Support Commissions
(Elections, Human Rights, Truth and Reconciliation, Anti-Corruption and Media). We have provided technical assistance for the
drawing up of a national Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) strategy, and have offered similar support on the
Security Sector Reform (SSR) strategy and the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). We are also looking at providing some civil service
capacity building support to the Government with UNDP and other donors.
It is crucial for DRC and the wider Great Lakes region that the transition process remains on track. We are therefore making
continued efforts to strengthen and consolidate peace, which include humanitarian support, disarmament, demobilisation and
reintegration of ex- combatants, army, police and justice sector reform, and grassroots peace-building.
Subjects
Development aid; International assistance; Politics and government; Peace; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
11 November 2003
Reference
136860; 413 c190-1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions have been held with the governments of (a) Rwanda and (b) Uganda concerning their involvement in the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions have been held with the governments of (a) Rwanda and (b) Uganda concerning their involvement in the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Asked by
Caroline Spelman
(Conservative)
Answered by
Hilary Benn
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 October 2003
For answer on
10 November 2003
Answered on
10 November 2003
Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions have been held with the Governments of
(a) Rwanda and (b) Uganda concerning their involvement in the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. [136344]
Hilary Benn: We have maintained a close dialogue with the Governments of Rwanda and Uganda, and indeed with the former government
and now the Transitional National Government (TNG) in Kinshasa, on the need for good neighbourly relations as the basis for national
and regional stability. We continue to do so.
Both Rwanda and Uganda have taken positive steps recently to normalise their relations with the TNG in DRC, including mutual
ministerial visits and the signing in New York on 25 September 2003 of a Good Neighbourly Pact, which included commitments that all
support for armed groups should end and that there should be no illegal exploitation of natural resources of the DRC.
Subjects
Foreign relations; Politics and government; Uganda; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Rwanda
Date
10 November 2003
Reference
136344; 413 c58W
House
House of Commons