KABUL — Raffaella Iodice, a prominent European Union diplomat and former Chargée d’Affaires of the EU for Afghanistan, has died, the EU Delegation to Afghanistan announced on Sunday.
Iodice, who served as the EU’s Deputy Head of Delegation in Kabul from June 2022 before being appointed Director of the Crisis Response Centre in September 2024, was remembered as a champion of Afghan women and girls, a steadfast advocate for the vulnerable, and a beloved colleague.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our former Head of Delegation, Raffaella Iodice,” the delegation said in a statement. “She was a true friend of Afghanistan, a champion of women and girls, and a beloved colleague to many. Our delegation is in deep shock and mourning. May her memory be a blessing.”
Known for her cultural sensitivity, Iodice often wore traditional Afghan attire and a headscarf in respect for local customs. Her efforts extended beyond symbolism; she worked tirelessly in the field, standing beside families affected by floods in Herat or supporting women journalists in Kabul. Her dedication to Afghanistan’s most vulnerable communities was unwavering, even as many international representatives departed.
Iodice’s career with the EU spanned decades and continents. Before her tenure in Afghanistan, she led key units within the European Commission’s International Partnerships Directorate-General, overseeing Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
