Swan, James Christopher, 1963-

James Christopher Swan (born December 10, 1963) is an American diplomat and retired career Foreign Service Officer. He notably served as U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti (2008-2011), Special Representative for Somalia (2011-2013), and U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-2016).

Born in Washington, D.C., Swan earned a B.Sc. degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. During his time in the Foreign Service, Swan earned a master's in National Security Studies from the National Defense University's National War College, where he was a 2005 distinguished graduate.

Early in his career, Ambassador Swan served as political section chief in Cameroon (1992-1994), political officer in Nicaragua (1990-1992), and consular officer in Haiti (1988-89). Before joining the Foreign Service, he worked as a management analyst in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.

As Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa (2001-2004), Ambassador Swan advanced negotiations aimed at the withdrawal of foreign forces and an agreement on an internal political framework for elections. As part of his long professional involvement with the Congo, Ambassador Swan was also Zaire/Congo country officer in Washington (1996-1998), serving as focal point during the rebellion that led to the fall of Mobutu Sese Seko after 32 years in power and the difficult first year of its successor regime. Ambassador Swan served as Deputy Chief of Mission and for more than a year Charge d’Affaires in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (1998-2001) leading efforts to resume U.S. diplomatic operations and mobilize humanitarian response in the aftermath of a brutal civil conflict.

Prior to his first ambassadorship, Swan served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2006-2008), with broad responsibility for U.S. policies and programs in 23 central and east African countries. Previously, as Director of Africa Analysis in the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (2005-2006), he led a team of intelligence analysts who produced assessments of significant developments throughout sub-Saharan Africa for senior U.S. policy officials.

As Ambassador to Djibouti (2008-2011), he led a significant increase in military cooperation with Djibouti (which hosts the largest U.S. military installation in Africa) while also expanding U.S. support to the health, education, and governance sectors. As Special Representative for Somalia (2011-2013), Swan oversaw expansion of U.S. military assistance to undermine the al-Shabaab terrorist group and worked with international partners to help Somali leaders organize indirect elections and a peaceful transfer of power. Based on progress achieved, the U.S. government formally recognized the Somali government for the first time in more than 20 years.

As United States Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-2016), Swan guided the U.S. mission during a period of intense diplomatic activity that contributed to the defeat of an important rebel group, increased international support for governance and stabilization programs, and a negotiated political settlement that averted a violent conflict at the end of the DRC President’s constitutional mandate.

After leaving the Foreign Service, Swan founded Cygnet Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in business and investment opportunities in East and Central Africa. He also served as a Senior Adviser for the Albright Stonebridge Group. On 30 May 2019, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced Swan's appointment as his Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Swan is married to fellow Foreign Service Officer Daphne Michelle Titus, with whom he has two children. He is fluent in French.