The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has called on the British government to respond to escalating violence and the suppression of peaceful protests across the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The leader of the Anglican community talked of “prevailing anarchy” and “immeasurable suffering” in the country, and urged the government to help strengthen the United Nations Mission for the Stabilisation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco) in order to “find ways of serving the poorest and most desperate”.

Religious authorities in DR Congo have been a voice of opposition to President Kabila.

The country’s powerful Catholic Church has organised a number of protests in recent months, the latest of which saw security forces use tear gas and live bullets against demonstrators, killing at least two people.

Speaking to the UK’s House of Lords, Archbishop Welby asked what would be done to ensure the commitment to ensuring elections is honoured.

President Joseph Kabila remains in power despite the fact his second mandate ran out more than a year ago, and plans for elections have repeatedly been delayed prompting widespread anger and protests.

Government spokesman, the Earl of Courtown, told Archbishop Welby that the UK is working with the UN to “ensure protection of civilians is a priority and to make Monusco a more effective force”.

The UK will “support its work in restoring stability”, he added.

Culled from the BBC