UK Appoints Rebecca Fabrizi New Ambassador to South Sudan

By Awan Achiek

The United Kingdom has appointed Rebecca Fabrizi as its new Ambassador to South Sudan, succeeding David Ashley. The British Embassy in Juba made the announcement on Wednesday.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced the appointment on August 4, 2026. Fabrizi is set to assume the position in early October, upon Ashley’s completion of his diplomatic posting in South Sudan.

According to the embassy, Fabrizi has held several senior diplomatic roles across Europe, Africa, and Asia during her career, which spans over 30 years.

Fabrizi expressed her honor at the appointment, stating, “I am honored to have been appointed as the next British Ambassador to South Sudan. It is a privilege to take up this role in a country whose people have shown remarkable determination in the face of immense challenges.” Her statement was issued by the British Embassy in Juba on Wednesday.

She added, “I look forward to getting to know South Sudan and the South Sudanese and to working with government, civil society, and international partners for peace, stability, and opportunity across the country.”

David Ashley, who is scheduled to depart South Sudan next month, remarked that it had been a privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Ambassador in Juba and uphold the UK’s commitment to the country.

“I have been proud to see the impact of our work on ordinary South Sudanese throughout this country, including in supporting essential health, education and humanitarian services,” Ashley said.

He noted that the UK had supported these services during his tenure.

Ashley emphasized, “But only peace and better use of national revenues can take this country forward: this is the message I will be giving to South Sudan’s leaders in my final weeks.” He also welcomed Fabrizi’s appointment and wished her success.

Fabrizi, a career diplomat, currently serves as Deputy Director of the FCDO’s Africa Directorate, a position she has held since 2025.

Her previous roles include Acting British High Commissioner in Lilongwe, Malawi, in 2025, and the FCDO’s Special Envoy for Small Island Developing States and Head of the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States Department from 2022 to 2025.

She also served as Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul General in Belgrade from 2019 to 2021, with earlier assignments in Canberra, Brussels, Geneva, Rome, and Beijing.

Fabrizi joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1994, starting in the Africa Department before her various diplomatic postings.

She will succeed David Ashley, who became the British Ambassador to South Sudan in January 2025.

Fabrizi’s appointment comes as South Sudan prepares for its planned December 2026 elections amid ongoing political, security, and humanitarian challenges.