Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take, if any, following official US and EU reports that the government of Rwanda is arming and supporting the M23 militia, who are accused of mass killings and rapes.

The UK Government has a long-standing commitment to supporting prosperity, development, and stability in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We continue to monitor the security situation in eastern DRC closely and are deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian consequences. We are one of a few partners who have a permanent presence in Goma, despite the security challenges, and will continue to operate in the east to work with the Government and humanitarian partners. We regularly raise the conflict in eastern DRC with DRC, Rwanda and the region, where we urge all parties to deliver on their commitments, agreed through the Nairobi and Luanda processes, including the withdrawal by armed groups including M23. The UK firmly believes the regional Nairobi and Luanda diplomatic peace processes provide the best means by which to achieve a lasting peace in eastern DRC and offer them our full support. We will continue to work with members of the international community to bring an end to the violence.