Goma, 6 February 2014 - A United Kingdom delegation accompanied by Martin Kobler, Chief of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, visited the towns of Bweremana (Masisi territory) and Ottobora (Walikale territory) on 6 February 2014. Following their visit, Marc Simmonds (British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office) who was leading the British delegation and Corner Diane, Ambassador of the UK to the D. R. Congo, met with the media in Goma, the regional capital.

Marc Simmonds told the press that this was his first visit to the D. R. Congo. He met the national authorities in Kinshasa, the country’s capital, and also made a stop at Heal Africa hospital in Goma, which is supported by the UK. He further stated that the defeat of M23 builds the momentum to deal with the rest of the armed groups and to enhance the support provided to Government of D. R. Congo, which needs to tackle the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, Repatriation, and Resettlement DDRRR challenge.

For Marc Simmonds, the eastern D. R. Congo is full of resources that require stability in order to launch a comprehensive development program that will bring jobs and wellbeing to the people.

Addressing the issue of sexual violence, Marc Simmonds reassured that the UK will focus its efforts to prevent that sexual violence is not used as a weapon of war. “Next June, he said, UK will initiate a 135 country- signatory declaration to end impunity for those who commit sexual violence, and put an end once and for all to the scourge".

The UK Under-Secretary of State in Charge of Africa also explained that the Government of the UK supports the DRC with 250 million annually in areas such as DDRRR, sexual violence and training the National police. He pledged to redouble efforts of direct UK investment in the DRC.

This direct investment will have the impact of creating additional jobs for the people.

Answering a question related to Congolese National Armed Forces’ current trial for alleged sexual violence committed in Minova in November 2012, Marc Simmonds advocated the end of impunity.

The UK Minister recommitted its country’s support to the work of MONUSCO and demanded accelerated efforts of all parties in solving the DRC's conflict including the involvement of bilateral organizations to rebuild the country. He lastly called on armed groups to lay down their arms and settle their dispute through pacific means.

Alexandre Essome/MONUSCO