§ Mr. LyonsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what help the Government are giving to(a) the people of Goma and (b) the Governments of Congo and Rwanda. [30322]
§ Clare ShortDuring the present financial year we have committed over £10 million to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as providing practical and political support for the peace process and Inter-Congolese Dialogue. This support is channelled through United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Some £2 million of this has been provided in response to the needs of the people of Goma and the surrounding area in the wake of the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption. We are funding the UN, the British Red Cross Society and a number of other NGOs to provide emergency relief goods; water, sanitation and medical services support; and co-ordination of the overall relief response.
DFID is the leading bilateral donor in Rwanda, providing £30 million in development assistance this financial year. We are committed to help Rwanda meet the International Development Targets (IDTs) within a sustainable economic and social framework that facilitates peace and security, reconciliation, economic growth and inclusive government.