Alison Blackburne
Biography
Alison Blackburne is the UK’s Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, starting in this role in May 2024.
Alison was the British Ambassador to South Sudan from April 2017 to May 2019, and before that British High Commissioner to Uganda from August 2012 to November 2016.
Alison joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1987 and has held a variety posts in London and abroad. She has previously served overseas in Warsaw, Stockholm, New York (UK Permanent Mission to the UN), Harare and Brussels (UK Permanent Representation to the EU), as well as more recent short-term roles in Jakarta and Washington. She also spent 2 years on loan to the Ministry of Justice as Principal Private Secretary to the Justice Secretary.
Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Horn of Africa
Special representatives use their expertise to develop a greater coherent effort in making sure that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) works closely and effectively with foreign powers.
The role of the Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Horn of Africa is to lead the UK government’s response to international activity in the Red Sea region. The Special Envoy engages with those involved on both shores of the Red Sea and beyond.
Previous roles in government
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British Ambassador to South Sudan
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British High Commissioner to Uganda