The outgoing British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Jo Lomas
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Jo Lomas is proud for having worked with the Rwandan government to organise the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), even as the meeting was postponed.
She said one of her most proud attainments was working with the Rwandan government, sharing information and experiences from the UK as the last host country of CHOGM and preparing for the UK delegations. She said it was sad that the high level summit will not be taking place this month as earlier planned.
High Commissioner Lomas will be leaving after three and half years representing her country in Rwanda. Lomas who is heading back to the UK also doubled as non-resident Ambassador to Burundi and will be succeeded by Omar Daair.
Lomas first visited the country in 1995 in a different capacity witnessing the devastation right after the genocide against the Tutsi and when she returned as the High Commissioner in 2018, she saw great progress.
“I am constantly surprised by what Rwanda manages to do, the three and half years were an amazing experience and I am going to miss it here,” she said.
She said that although there may be issues that they with Rwanda don’t agree on, there are more common interests than differences, there have been frank conversations and the two countries have a good strong relationship.
Among things the ambassador had some differences with the Rwandan government include political space, the role of civil society and have held talks about the BBC. She notes that would like to see some improvements in that direction with on-going discussions.
High Commissioner Lomas has already bid farewell to President Kagame, who appreciated her country’s support for the last 25 years. The President recognised the development journey the two countries continue to share.
Anna Wilson, Director of DFID/Rwanda
Anna Wilson, the Director of DFID in Rwanda, talking alongside the High Commissioner emphasized the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and Rwanda. The UK continues to be a leading donor supporting environment, quality education and social protection.
Wilson underlined that the support will continue in the mentioned strategic areas of human development, trade, investment, civil society and most importantly support Rwanda in recovering from the economic impact of Covid-19.(End)