Working effectively in fragile and conflict-affected states : DRC and Rwanda, twelfth report of session 2010-12, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

The International Development Committee believes the Government is right to increase aid to fragile and conflict-affected states, such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) , but it must prepared suspend or even cancel a programme if a Government flouts agreements or refuses to engage in efforts to increase transparency and accountability.

The MPs urge DFID to set out specific governance conditions under which it will provide direct budget support to fragile states, and any under which it will be withdrawn and apply these consistently.

They also recommend that DFID invest more in community-led local initiatives which respond to community priorities and give communities more confidence to hold their governments to account.

Two case studies of Rwanda and the DRC highlight areas of concern.

Rwanda is heavily dependent on aid which provides 45% of government expenditure.

The UK will provide GBP90 million to Rwanda in 2014-15.

While Rwanda has made progress in reducing poverty, concerns have been expressed about its human rights record and the lack of political pluralism. The Committee urges the UK Government to use its position as the largest bilateral donor to Rwanda to insist on improvements to the country's governance.

In the DRC there is concern about high levels of violence against women and girls.

DFID should give greater priority to tackling this in its programme and include the reduction of violence against women in its results framework for the DRC.