A Call for Unity: High Commissioner Alison Thorpe on Regional Peace and Security

Alison Thorpe, British High Commissioner to Rwanda and Ambassador-designate to Burundi expressed her belief that peace and security will significantly benefit the EAC region, stating that her tenure in London’s ministry highlights the region’s potential.

She made the announcement at a press conference held at the British High Commission in Kigali on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

She said, “Before becoming the high commissioner in Rwanda, I was the UK special envoy for the Great Lakes. So, I spent the last two years of my job when I was working in our ministry back in London. Looking at the regional situation, I think what is clear to me is that this whole region will benefit from peace and security.”

She added, “If we could have peace, security, and stability in regional trade, this region could be the engine of growth for the whole continent. For that reason, the UK supports the ongoing regional peace processes, the efforts of President Lourenco, and the Rwanda process, the Nairobi process, if that is indeed revitalized. And we’re ready to support in whatever way we can.”

Angolan President Joao Lourenco, is the African Union mediator for the conflicts between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Alison expressed a desire to reduce tension and emphasize efforts to end conflicts and establish long-term peace and stability with international partners.

She said, “I think one of the ways of doing that is by showing the people of this region just how economically lucrative it is, if you like, to have peace and stability. Conflict costs money and brings endless suffering to people on all sides of the border. So, focusing on the long-term prize of peace, stability, and economic growth, I think, is the way we need to approach regional tensions.”

Additionally, she also emphasized the need for peace talks to revive the current unfavorable relationship between Rwanda and Burundi.

Alison, as ambassador to Burundi and high commissioner to Rwanda, asserts her unique position to listen to diverse perspectives and enhance relations by transitioning between her titles.

She said, “I think one of the most interesting parts of being, and I need to get this right because I’m an ambassador to Burundi and a high commissioner to Rwanda, so I have to keep remembering to switch between my title, is that, of course, it gives me a unique position to hear both perspectives and look at how we can find a way forward, to sort of bring about better relations.”

She added, “I’m currently still waiting on my formal agreement from the president of Burundi, so I can’t travel there until I have that, so I suppose I’m an ambassador-designate to Burundi as opposed to the ambassador at the moment, but I’m hoping that will be forthcoming soon and I can make my first trip and begin to have those conversations.”