Harriet Baldwin has just begun this Sunday, May 26, 2019, a four-day visit to Congo. This first mission to DRC of the British Minister for Africa, after the elections of 2018 and the beginning of the current Ebola outbreak, has two objectives: to evaluate the support of the United Kingdom to the Congolese government in the fight against the Ebola outbreak; and engage with stakeholders on opportunities to address the causes of poverty.

Towards the intensification of the action
The DRC is fighting the second largest Ebola outbreak in its history and the first ever declared in a conflict zone, where more than 70 armed groups operate in the east of DRC. The number of cases has exceeded the 1,800 threshold, while the balance sheet is over 1,200 cases.

« Preventing the spread of the disease not only saves lives, but provides the stability needed for economic growth and security. However, we recognize that we must prepare to intensify our capabilities. I appeal to other countries to follow our example and to follow suit in order to help finance this response. The disease does not respect borders and it is in our interest to stop its spread », said Harriet Baldwin.

Indeed, as one of the largest donors in the response to the Ebola outbreak, the United Kingdom has funded vaccine trials, provided technical expertise, and supported neighboring countries ( Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan) to preparation.

It is in this context that the UK Department for International Cooperation approved additional funds last week and expressed its intention to provide more experts to help consolidate the response.

#UK takes the threat of Ebola seriously.

That’s why we have been a major donor to the response in the #DRC + we’ve deployed UK experts to support directly the response both in the #DRC + the surrounding countries. pic.twitter.com/ZmEqpXvDYN

— Matthew Rycroft (@MatthewRycroft1) May 7, 2019

Strengthen the fight against poverty
Minister Baldwin’s visit will also allow her to meet with government officials, civil society and opposition members to discuss ways to address the root causes of poverty and instability. in DRC.

In this regard, Harriet Baldwin was reassured by her country’s support for the Congolese executive: « I am delighted to be here to discuss ways and means for the United Kingdom to support the Democratic Republic of Congo to work for a safer and more prosperous future. As a long-time partner of DRC, the United Kingdom is committed to providing relief assistance, and tackling the root causes of conflict and poverty. »

Given that the United Kingdom is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Minister Baldwin also intends to focus on the UK’s contribution to stability and conflict prevention initiatives in DRC, in particular on the work of the peacekeeping force of MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilization Mission).

According to the British Embassy in DRC, it will also review the contributions made by the United Kingdom in support of humanitarian relief assistance.

« Following the elections in 2018, I also hope to discuss with President Tshisekedi how he plans to implement his commitment to comprehensive / global reform to ensure real long-term improvements. in favor of the lives of millions of Congolese », insisted Harriet Baldwin.

Agnes KAYEMBE