JUBA — The United Kingdom has appointed Rebecca Jane Fabrizi as its new Ambassador to South Sudan, succeeding David Ashley, the British Embassy in Juba said on Wednesday.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced the appointment on August 4, 2026, saying Fabrizi will take up her new post in October.
A statement issued by the British Embassy in Juba on Wednesday said Rebecca will take up the position in early October when Mr. Ashley completes his posting.
“The British Embassy in Juba is pleased to announce that Rebecca Fabrizi has been appointed to succeed David Ashley as British Ambassador to South Sudan. She will take up the position in early October when Mr. Ashley completes his posting,” read part of the statement.
Rebecca said she was honored to be 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,” she said.
“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.”
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing British Ambassador David Ashley stated that it was a privilege to serve in Juba and maintain the United Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to South Sudan.
“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,” David said.
Ashley welcomed the appointment of his successor, Rebecca Fabrizi, wishing her every success as incoming ambassador.
“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. I am delighted that Rebecca will succeed me and wish her every success.”
Fabrizi is a career diplomat and currently serves as Deputy Director of the FCDO’s Africa Directorate, a position she has held since 2025.
She previously served as Acting British High Commissioner in Lilongwe, Malawi, in 2025 and was 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.
Her previous diplomatic assignments include serving as Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul General in Belgrade from 2019 to 2021, as well as roles in Canberra, Brussels, Geneva, Rome, and Beijing.
Fabrizi joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1994 and began her career working in the Africa Department before undertaking diplomatic postings in several countries.
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 and faces ongoing political, security, and humanitarian challenges. The UK has previously called for sufficient political space, security, and inclusive participation ahead of any elections in South Sudan.
