Thank you very much for the question.
Clearly, the political and democratic situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is very complex. For quite some time, Canada has been involved in strengthening institutions, at least in supporting inclusive governance in the country. Obviously, we are not alone in that.
But Canada is playing an important role in the DRC. We are providing quite substantial development assistance. Last year, 2016-2017, we spent $91 million on that goal. We provide the money only to the United Nations and to Canadian and international NGOs. Not a cent goes to the Congolese government.
As for the influence we can have in strengthening institutions and having the country adhere more to its constitution, we are exerting diplomatic pressure, as a power that is likely to bring together the positive influences, if I may put it that way, of a number of international partners. We are working very hard with partners in the European Union, the United States and Switzerland. In addition, we are working more and more with the African states that border the DRC.
You have to understand that a crisis in the DRC has a major effect on the nine countries with which it shares a border. As the ambassador, I invite the other ambassadors to the Canadian ambassador’s residence in order to determine how we can jointly exert pressure that will result in adherence to the constitution.
As you said, this government is very nationalistic and not at all open to international assistance. However, I believe that, given the increasing pressure we are collectively exerting, they will eventually have to listen to reason. At least, that is my hope.