I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Diane. She was an amazing colleague and friend  who profoundly inspired me when we worked together in South Sudan - she was a wealth of knowledge, positivity, pragmatism and incredible kindness. She was an amazing support as we shared the successes, trials and tribulations inherent to working in a peacekeeping operation. Her passion, dedication and richness lives on in all those who were lucky to know her.

My condolences to Diane's family. I first met Diane in 2006 in Juba, South Sudan, as we worked for UNMIS as part of the staff welfare committee. We would organize events for our community, generally trying to better the living standards in the UN camp. 

Working and living in difficult conditions, Diane was our confidant and mentor.  The problem with moving from one country to another, is that one leaves a part of our heart in each place. And Diane was part of our family away from home. 

Diane's spirit really shines through these shared memories and condolences. She was for me, as for many researchers in/on South Sudan, a guide and a touchstone and a friend. She was generous with her time, knowledgable, principled, curious and committed. And she made lovely dinners, even in/next to a container. Her joie de vivre carried her to the end. A dashing, bold spirit, who will be much missed. Rest in peace DDG.  

I first met Diane at UNMISS, where we initially bonded because my mother's name is "Diana Guzman". :-) She was one of the most respected and admired people in the Mission, she was incredibly generous with her knowledge, and she ALWAYS had a beaming smile. I got to work more closely with her in Mogadishu a few years later. Living within the bunkers of MIA is tough, and you really come to value those individuals who never fail to brighten up your day. That was Diane. I will remember her and miss her, and I feel very grateful for her friendship. My most sincere condolences to all her loved ones.

Diane moved back to the US to do everything she could to help save America.  And that she did.  Here she is sitting on the street corner of our local bakery, where from 2020-2021 she was there - rain, snow, sleet, and shine, most Saturdays showing people how they could help get out the vote.  She was a rockstar, a badass, and I'm honored to have known her.

I love what Joe said – about Diane being known by one name, such was her reputation and depth of wisdom on South Sudan. I have so many wonderful memories of Diane, which I will cherish, but one in particular stands out. She and I got invited to stay at an oil rig base for a night in Unity state, as she was looking at the human rights situation around the bases. With her incredible resourcefulness and considerable charm, she had convinced one of the oil workers to invite us to come and stay. Her ability to get these guys to trust her and talk was amazing – the only creature on the base she could not charm was the monkey the workers had adopted, who was jealous of Diane and the attention they paid her! Her kindness was always incredible to me, even knowing her for so long – I recall her bringing stuffed giraffes and elephant mobiles to entertain my babies when they were born and then relaxing on the verandah to tell stories. Tucking in for long talks in her cozy cottage in Nairobi on a rainy day felt to me like I was somehow soaking up her deep and long experience, her passion and her clear eyed values for what South Sudan could be. I cannot imagine South Sudan without her. This picture is from Malakal – at a going away when my mum was with us in Malakal. Tons of laughter and stories, as always.

The news of Diane's death breaks my heart. I met her during my first visit to Juba and it was a wonderful experience. Her compassion, energy and wisdom was a great inspiration. Later I was fortunate to meet her during many of my field trips and she always took time to share her insights.

Whenever I (or someone else) have a less great experience with someone from the "international community" I always thinks about Diane and her devotion to the people of South Sudan and elsewhere. 

Diane and I became fast friends in the early 1990s when we were both living in Nairobi and working in the region - I in Somalia and Kenya and Diane in Sudan and Ethiopia. When we had time off we would get in my old Nissan and put my pre-schoolers in the car and went all over Kenya. Diane was alwaya willing to drive which made these true holidays for me. I have tons if photos in a box somewhere. This will motivate me to get them out so I can share them with her family. My condolences to her family and all who loved her.

Diane was a role model for those of us who came into this field well after she became established. Tough but compassionate, gracious with her time, and exceedingly patient. I first met her at an UNMIS meeting in Juba in 2008 and a colleague leaned over and simply said: "that's Diane". She is surely one of the rare few deservedly known--and for positive reasons--by one name only.

Diane investigated the massive forced displacements in Unity State in 2001. The report "Depopulating Sudan's Oil Fields" was outstanding and, typical for her, it let the interviewed people speak for themselves. She was always honest and kind.

Diane was a wonderful spirit in Loki back in 1999 and in Nairobi in subsequent years.  We shared late night talks, wine and cheese brought up from the big city, "no work" discussions with Kelly, John, and others, soup on a cold day at a house in Limuru, Sudanese art at a gallery in Nairobi, Muthaiga Club afternoons, and many other wonderful memories.  Thanks, Diane, for accompanying me to one of the first Lewa Downs Safaricom marathons and driving my car home to Nairobi because I was so sore!  A true friend of the people of South Sudan, a brave negotiator, and a wonderful friend to many.  Go well, my friend.

Diane was determined, unstoppable and widely connected. The peoples of the Sudans were lucky she did everything in her power to support them. RIP.

Sad to learn about Diane's death.You were always resourceful and passionate about the peace in South Sudan as we worked together both in UNMIS& UNMISS in Civil Affairsas a colleague and friend. May God rest you in Peace.

Thanks to  all who set up this site.  I enjoyed Diane’s friendship in her Alexandra years and  appreciate this opportunity to learn more about her life.

Diane and a dog named Coopi in Pibor town.

Diane meeting Peter Gadet for the first time in several years

Dearest Diane, you were able to bring glamour to container life! Reminded us that we owed the people we served, respect and empathy. Always ready to set off on a new adventure, a deep field mission, in the service of  peace and humanity. Always ready to help and support a friend and colleague in need. Thank you! To a life truly lived. 

I knew Diana from when I first arrived in South Sudan in 2003 to when she left the region, and learnt so much from her. She really was the best of us - passionate, caring, thoughtful, smart and a pleasure to be around.  Her passing leaves a huge hole in the world. 

You were a great friend, boss and colleague. Brave, determined and outrageously funny! Your legacy of compassion and integrity has enhanced and impacted millions of lives.   RIP xx YouWhat an amazing person

It has always been a priviledge knowing you, being inspired by you and learning from you. Although being rather short, you were so much greater than most others, enlightening rooms and souls with your big smile and love. Rest in peace, dear soul sister, see you on the other side

My first association with Diane was when we both worked with the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team and I knew her to be dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable, and possessing good judgement.  She was also and always dedicated to the people of South Sudan.  Later I knew her with UNMISS where she was the most effective person in Civil Affairs.  I am very sad to learn of her passing.

Farewell Diane - so many memories of Save the Children South Sudan, Rift Valley Institute events and workshops, Lokichoggio, Nairobi, Juba, Akon, Kuajok, UNMIS and UNMISS Civil Affairs and your visit to Scotland in August. It was a privilege knowing you and working with you and for being a good friend.