The United Kingdom has announced the appointment of Rebecca Jane Fabrizi as its new ambassador to South Sudan, taking over from David Ashley in October 2026. Fabrizi is a seasoned British diplomat with over three decades of experience in international diplomacy. Her career has spanned various regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced her appointment in August.
Fabrizi's diplomatic career began in 1994 when she joined the UK Foreign Office. Her first assignment was in the Africa Department, where she worked on Equatorial Africa. She has since held various postings, including Beijing, Geneva, Rome, Brussels, Belgrade, and Canberra. Her experience in Africa will likely be valuable in her new role as ambassador to South Sudan. Fabrizi has also undergone Mandarin-language training, giving her substantial experience in China and international relations involving Asia.
Before her appointment as ambassador-designate to South Sudan, Fabrizi served as the UK's Deputy Director of the Africa Directorate from 2025. She also worked as Acting British High Commissioner in Lilongwe, Malawi, in 2025. Between 2022 and 2025, Fabrizi served as the UK Special Envoy for Small Island Developing States and headed the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States Department. Her recent work has focused on Africa, and she brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Fabrizi's appointment has been welcomed by the UK government, which describes her career as including work in various countries, including Malawi, as well as academic work in Australia. Her experience in political diplomacy, international development, trade, conflict-related work, multilateral affairs, and Africa policy will be valuable in her new role. The UK mission in South Sudan engages with the government on various issues, including peace, stability, politics, security, economy, humanitarian needs, and human rights.
Upon her appointment, Fabrizi expressed her honor in taking up the position and her eagerness to work with the South Sudanese government, civil society, and international partners on peace, stability, and development. This gives an indication of the areas likely to feature prominently in her work in Juba. The UK government has a significant engagement with South Sudan, covering a range of issues, including regional matters involving Sudan and South Sudan.
Fabrizi's career with the UK Foreign Office began with Africa, and she has since returned to senior Africa-focused responsibilities in recent years. Her experience in China and international relations involving Asia will also be valuable in her new role. The UK says its engagement with South Sudan covers peace and stability, politics, security, the economy, humanitarian needs, and human rights. Fabrizi will oversee the work of the British Embassy in Juba and represent the UK government in South Sudan.
Fabrizi arrives in South Sudan with a wealth of experience, having worked in various diplomatic postings and held senior roles. She is a senior British foreign-policy official whose career has taken her from Africa and China to European diplomacy, international development, and senior Africa policy. Her appointment as ambassador to South Sudan marks her first ambassadorial posting, and she will play a crucial role in representing the UK government in the country.
Key points
- Rebecca Fabrizi has over three decades of experience in international diplomacy.
- Fabrizi's career has spanned various regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean.
- Fabrizi will oversee the work of the British Embassy in Juba and represent the UK government in South Sudan.
