Rose Wright, Conflict Adviser at the British Embassy in Juba, reflects on the role of research and evidence in shaping conflict-sensitive responses across South Sudan and the region. From shifting gender norms to regional instability, she shares why programmes like XCEPT are vital to understanding and supporting peace in complex contexts. She also highlights the importance of locally grounded, gender-responsive programming — including the Embassy’s new work on addressing harmful gender norms and gender-based violence.
This interview is part of the XCEPT (Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends) programme, funded by the UK government.
Enhancing the Role of Borderland Communities in Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy
October 15, 2025
Ethiopia’s borderland communities (BLCs) have historically influenced the country’s relations with its neighbours. These peripheral regions often serve as hubs for cross-border trade, repositories of
