Alison Blackburne has been appointed UK Special Envoy to the Horn
of Africa and Red Sea. She takes up the role with experience
in a wide range of diplomatic roles in the UK and overseas,
including previously serving as the British High Commissioner to
Uganda and British Ambassador to South Sudan.
The UK Envoy's role is to lead the UK response to international
activity in the Horn of Africa region, engaging with key actors.
Deputy Foreign Secretary said:
The UK is committed to building our long-term partnerships in the
Horn of Africa, wider East Africa and across the Gulf. Our
relationship tackles a range of issues, from humanitarian crises
to trade, investment, and regional security.
It's been a critical year for the region, from a devastating
conflict in Sudan, to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red
Sea and building our trade links in the Gulf.
Alison will bring invaluable knowledge and experience to the
role, and I am confident she will grow our diplomatic
relationships in the coming years.
UK Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Red Sea Alison
Blackburne said:
The Horn of Africa is a dynamic region, and the UK remains
focussed on working with partners to bring peace, stability, and
prosperity for its people.
We are committed to tackling the key issues which affect
communities across the region. These include conflict and
instability, humanitarian crises, climate change and food
insecurity, as well as the challenges and opportunities of
regional economic cooperation and trade and investment.
It is a privilege to accept this position, and I look
forward to working with our international partners at such a
crucial time.
