UK pledges millions to support survivors of conflict related sexual violence and humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United Kingdom has reinforced its support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), announcing new funding and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, humanitarian aid, and sustainable growth.

UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Jenny Chapman, visited the country to witness first-hand the efforts of aid workers, UN peacekeepers, and women peacebuilders.

Her visit took her to both Kinshasa, the capital, and Beni in eastern DRC—a region long affected by conflict.

Alongside meeting national leaders including President Félix Tshisekedi and Vice Foreign Minister Noella Ayenganagato, Chapman engaged with frontline responders and communities impacted by years of instability.

New Funding to Support Vulnerable Communities

During her trip, the UK pledged over £13 million in new support, with the goal of saving lives, protecting civilians, and assisting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The breakdown includes:

• £3 million for clean water, hygiene, and protection services for displaced families

• £2 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for emergency healthcare, trauma surgery, and specialized support for sexual and gender-based violence survivors

• £2.3 million for the World Food Programme to provide emergency nutrition for up to 132,000 refugees in Burundi

In addition, £6 million will go to UNFPA to enhance sexual and reproductive health services and ongoing support for survivors in eastern DRC, particularly at specialized centres in Beni.

Witnessing Impact on the Ground

Chapman visited hospitals and support centres, observing the critical services provided to survivors of sexual violence.

She praised the resilience of survivors and the professionalism of local staff who deliver care in extremely challenging circumstances.

She emphasised the urgent need for international engagement, stating the UK’s role is to help protect civilians while supporting long-term recovery and resilience.

Investing in Economic Growth and Clean Energy

Beyond humanitarian aid, the UK is also focusing on economic development. Key initiatives include:

• Launching the UK–DRC Chamber of Commerce, fostering trade and investment between British and Congolese businesses

• Providing a $25 million (£18.7m) loan to Rawbank, the DRC’s largest commercial bank, to support small and medium enterprises and job creation

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• Supporting clean energy projects through the Sustainable Energy for Africa Fund, partnering with the African Development Bank to expand electricity access to up to 700,000 people in northern DRC

• Funding climate-smart agriculture initiatives to improve financing for sustainable agribusinesses

These investments aim to build long-term stability, increase resilience, and create opportunities for communities to thrive beyond immediate humanitarian needs.

Promoting Regional Peace and Accountability

The visit also reaffirmed the UK’s backing for UN peacekeeping efforts, particularly MONUSCO, which plays a critical role in protecting civilians in conflict zones.

This year, the DRC chairs the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, with the UK serving as vice-chair, underlining the commitment to uphold international humanitarian law and accountability for abuses.

Impact and Consequences

The UK’s dual approach of humanitarian support and economic investment has immediate and long-term implications:

• Immediate protection and healthcare for vulnerable communities, including survivors of sexual violence

• Strengthened local capacity through funding of hospitals, peacebuilders, and aid organisations

• Creation of sustainable economic opportunities, driving job growth and reducing dependence on conflict-affected regions

• Reinforcement of regional stability through support for UN peacekeeping and international accountability initiatives

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the UK aims to maintain momentum in the DRC by:

• Continuing to fund essential humanitarian services and protection programmes

• Expanding access to finance and supporting sustainable economic initiatives

• Monitoring progress in clean energy projects and climate-smart agriculture

• Collaborating with local partners to ensure long-term resilience and peace-building

The government is committed to remaining actively engaged, ensuring that the combined approach of aid, investment, and diplomacy continues to foster stability and growth.

Summary

Jenny Chapman’s visit to the DRC highlights the UK’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and sustainable development.

With over £13 million in new funding, investments in clean energy and commerce, and a focus on survivors of sexual violence, the UK is playing a vital role in both immediate relief and long-term resilience in one of Africa’s most complex conflict-affected regions.

Bulleted Takeaways

• The UK pledged over £13 million to support conflict-affected communities and survivors of sexual violence in the DRC

• New funding includes clean water, healthcare, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health services

• Jenny Chapman visited Kinshasa and Beni to engage with leaders, UN peacekeepers, and women peacebuilders

• Economic initiatives include the UK–DRC Chamber of Commerce, a £18.7m loan to Rawbank, and clean energy projects reaching up to 700,000 people

• The UK reaffirmed support for UN peacekeeping and regional stability through MONUSCO and international alliances

• Combined aid and investment aim to foster immediate protection, long-term growth, and community resilience