Thomas Perriello Appointed New Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Humanity United welcomes today’s appointment of Thomas S. Perriello as the new Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Mr. Perriello’s experience as a former United States Representative, the Special Representative for the State Department’s Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review, and as an adviser to the Special Court for Sierra Leone and in other capacities related to international justice gives him the political and diplomatic acumen to engage this important region at a critical time.

“This appointment is timely and absolutely critical,” said David Abramowitz, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Humanity United. “We thank President Obama and Secretary Kerry for putting forward such a qualified Special Envoy. At a time when multiple countries in this vital region at the heart of Africa face political and possible humanitarian crises, it’s critical for the U.S. to have a leader like Tom engage directly and address the challenges of promoting wider stability in the Great Lakes region.”

“Right now, there are urgent matters that require both the private and public engagement of the United States government in the Great Lakes region,” Abramowitz continued. “From the political crisis in Burundi to the ongoing instability in Democratic Republic of Congo, we stand ready to assist the Special Envoy and his staff in addressing the real and critical challenges that lie ahead. We urge President Obama and Secretary Kerry to remain personally engaged in this critical region and provide the support he will need to prevent more deadly violence and suffering that faces innocent civilians. In Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.”