The United States government has reportedly recalled its ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, alongside several other career diplomats, as part of a broader reorganisation of American diplomatic representation under President Donald Trump.
According to reports by Politico, the decision aligns with President Trump’s “America First” foreign policy agenda, aimed at ensuring that US diplomatic missions abroad reflect the administration’s priorities.
A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors were largely appointed during the previous administration and are expected to conclude their current postings by January.
While the diplomats will step down from their roles as chiefs of mission, officials clarified that they are not being dismissed from the foreign service and may return to Washington to take up other assignments within the State Department if they choose.
Africa has been the most impacted region by the recalls, with ambassadors from at least 13 countries affected. These include Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda. Other regions experiencing similar changes include parts of Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
In a statement, the State Department described the recalls as a routine process that typically occurs during transitions between administrations.
It emphasised that ambassadors serve at the discretion of the president and are expected to advance the sitting administration’s policy goals.
“An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda,”the statement read.
Despite assurances that the diplomats’ careers remain intact, the sudden recalls are expected to prompt adjustments in embassy leadership, ongoing diplomatic engagements, and policy implementation in the affected countries.