IN FEBRUARY, actress Alliance Isimbi was appointed World Peace Ambassador by a United Nations body, known as the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA). The actress known as ‘Alliah Cool’ in the local movie industry, received the ‘Award of Eminent Peace Ambassador’ from IAWPA in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, alongside other eminent individuals. In an interview with The New Times, the ‘Ambassador’ sheds more light on the honor, what it means to her career, and what she intends to achieve with it. Excerpts: Tell us how you were appointed Eminent Peace Ambassador Recently, I premiered my new film ‘Alliah the Movie’ in Abuja, Nigeria. I, through my management (One Percent International MGT), invited many people for the screening and I took the occasion to share with them Rwanda’s resilient journey from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and where the country stands now. My story impressed them so much and I believe it was the reason why I was honored to become the ambassador of peace in the world. What do you attribute this prize to? It’s all thanks to my role in the entertainment world, especially what I achieved in filmmaking and the confidence that Rwanda gives women to excel in all aspects of life. What responsibilities does the UN ambassador of peace serve? I have a responsibility to travel to different parts of the world that experience crisis of peace, attend UN’s peace conferences and help them spread the message and initiatives intended to sensitize peace among the communities. What does the honor mean to you and the country? From my young age, I have always wanted to play my contribution in bringing up something that can inspire and bring positive change to the lives of a woman, especially those from low-income backgrounds. With this honor, I believe I have a big platform to achieve my dream of bringing an impact not just to women but people in different parts of the world. With this spirit, we can build the country together and make it a better place for Rwandans and a key destination worth visiting. How long will you be the Eminent Peace Ambassador? The Eminent Peace is a permanent diplomat and the title has no expiry date. How do you plan to juggle these new responsibilities and filmmaking? I can’t quit filmmaking because it contributed a lot in achieving this milestone. Entertainment and politics go hand in hand. So I can’t quit one for another since I can do both. Instead, I am going to put more efforts in filmmaking to inspire filmmakers that it’s a career that can open doors to filmmakers. I am passionate about filmmaking and I have no plans of sacrificing it for anything. What are you planning to do next? On March 8, we will celebrate the International Day of Women. I will take the occasion to announce something. It’s not official yet until that day. The actress (center) during her awarding ceremony as Peace ambassador.
