By Anak Dut

Mr. David Ashley has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, replacing Mr. Guy Warrington.

A statement issued by the British embassy in Juba on Thursday, stated that Mr. Ashley will resume the position in January, 2025.

The new ambassador has had a stellar career as a diplomat. He served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Madagascar and non-resident Ambassador to Comoros from 2020 to 2024.

Earlier, from 2018 to 2020, Mr. Ashley served in the Foreign Commonwealth Office, as Deputy Head for Near East Department, in Syria and Iraq, and the head of the Levant team from 2011 to 2014.

The diplomat also served in various key areas, including as political counsellor in Kabul between 2014 to 2026; as well as First Secretary in Nairobi and Colombo, advising on regional conflict in Central and East Africa as well as South Asia.

He also served as second secretary for political affairs in Belgrade and as Court Desk Officer, War Crimes Section at the International Criminals Court.

Ashley’s career has spaneed decades, beginning in 1999 when he joined the Foreign Commonwealth Office to date.

His predecessor, Guy Warrington was appointed in March 2023, and was involved in many projects in South Sudan, among them healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance, among others, which benefitted millions in South Sudan.