President Donald Trump’s proposal to close 30 US embassies worldwide includes nations like South Sudan, Lesotho, and the Republic of Congo. While many African countries are affected, Nigeria is exempt. This move is part of a larger strategy to reduce US diplomatic presence globally, raising concerns among leaders.
US President Donald Trump has initiated a controversial move to shut down approximately 30 embassies and consulates globally as part of an aggressive plan to scale back America’s diplomatic presence abroad. According to a CNN report, this sweeping measure could impact several African nations, including the Republic of Congo, Lesotho, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan, as well as consulates in South Africa.
The proposal, revealed through an internal US State Department document, includes the closure of embassies and consulates in various regions, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Specific embassies under consideration for closure include those in Malta, Luxembourg, and the aforementioned African countries. The document also suggests reducing America’s diplomatic footprint in conflict zones like Somalia and Iraq, which have been central to US counterterrorism operations.
However, there is no official confirmation from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the approval of these proposals, as the State Department declined to comment on the leaked document. Despite these sweeping changes, notable exceptions include Nigeria, which remains unaffected by the proposed closures. Experts suggest that Nigeria's growing influence in the region and its strategic importance to US foreign policy could be reasons for its exemption from the closure list.
While the proposal has sparked concerns among some African leaders, the full implications of Trump’s strategy remain to be seen. The shift in US foreign diplomacy could alter the landscape of international relations, particularly in Africa, where the US has invested in various security and development initiatives over the years.
