Press Release
23 April 2006
Benn in Kinshasa stresses importance of democracy for lasting peace in Democratic Republic of Congo
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, today reiterated the continued British support for the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also the need to restore and consolidate peace and stability, following last month’s violence in Kinshasa. He was in Kinshasa for discussions with President Kabila and Prime Minister Gizenga.
Mr Benn also visited the National Assembly, where he met with the President of the Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, and other Members of Parliament. Separately, he also met with Parliamentarians from the opposition groups.
Speaking from Kinshasa, Mr Benn said:
“The violence in Kinshasa a few weeks ago was horrific, and my sympathies go out to the families of all those who lost their lives. The people of the DRC have suffered such violence for far too long.
“The international community supported last year’s elections every step of the way. Those elections marked a moment of hope for the DRC. The UK is committed to supporting the people of the DRC for the long term. We have a rising aid budget here, and this year will contribute £70 million to improve access to health care, education, water and sanitation, roads and governance; all helping to build a better life for the people of the DRC.
“But in my discussions with President Kabila and Prime Minister Gizenga, I made clear that we will judge progress in the DRC by events. Only with peace and democratic progress will the international community really be able to help development in the DRC.”
Notes for editors
1. This is Mr Benn’s fourth visit to DRC.
2. Mr Benn met with President Kabila and Prime Minister Gizenga. He also met Parliamentarians from different parliamentary groupings at the National Assembly.
3. Mr Benn travels to Bukavu tomorrow to discuss efforts to tackle instability in South Kivu and to see work supported by the UK Government in South Kivu to provide health services to victims of sexual violence and to provide basic needs support to three newly formed integrated brigades.
4. DFID’s main programmes support: humanitarian needs, security and the rule of law, democratisation and accountability, support to communities in conflict-affected provinces, reopening access to roads, better management of natural resources and health, education and water and sanitation services.
5. Some examples of the impact of DFID’s work include:
Our rural roads programme has rehabilitated over 700 km of roads linking Kabinda to agricultural areas and key towns. This work generated 1.4 million days of employment for local people.
Our health programmes have distributed over 800,000 bednets, protecting an estimated 3 million people, ensured at least 500,000 women have access to reproductive health care and treated 500,000 children in health and nutrition programmes. Our support to media organisations such as Radio Okapi played an important role during the elections. 31% of voters said that Radio Okapi broadcasts played a large role in prompting them to vote. Our funding of the humanitarian pooled fund has also contributed to the vaccination of 1.6 million children and enabling 82,100 malnourished children to be treated at nutrition centres.
For further information, contact DFID Press Office on 020 7023 0600, e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk or call our Public Enquiries Point on 0845 300 4100.
DFID News is available on our website at www.dfid.gov.uk
