Minister for Africa concerned by situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham said that instability in eastern DRC is in no-one's interests when he commented on the situation.
He said:
“The UK government is increasingly concerned about the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular about the allegations of foreign support for the M23 rebels who mutinied from the Congolese army in April. Instability in eastern DRC is in no-one’s interests and has already worsened the humanitarian situation and led to thousands of Congolese fleeing their homes. There is no doubt that longer term development work is also being affected.
“It is important that the Congolese government, with support from MONUSCO, tackles all armed groups in the region - including the FDLR and M23 - and brings perpetrators of crimes of international concern to justice. No foreign government should provide support to the M23 or any other armed group. The UK and its partners will continue to monitor the situation closely.”