Martin Plaut

Born and brought up in Cape Town, I have spent the last five decades in Britain. During that time I was Africa editor, BBC World Service News and then a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and King's College, London. I visited many parts of Africa - which I love.

But few are closer to my heart than the Horn of Africa, which I travelled to first during Eritrea's war of liberation in the 1980's. Since then the region has been racked with war, but it remains a fascinating and entrancing part of the continent, with an immensely deep history. I am also very engaged with South Africa and remain aware of its huge potential and its deep rifts.

Beyond that I am a Londoner and enjoy walking and savouring this endlessly fascinating city, and travelling throughout Britain.

I am a member of Chatham House, the Royal United Services Institute and have advised the US State Department and Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as the European Union.