United States President Donald Trump has recalled the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, alongside 29 other career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy positions, as part of a major overhaul of Washington’s diplomatic corps.
The move is aimed at realigning U.S. foreign representation with President Trump’s “America First” policy direction and marks one of the most significant diplomatic shake-ups under his current administration.
The recall largely affected Africa, with ambassadors withdrawn from 15 countries on the continent. These include Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Algeria, Egypt and Uganda.
Beyond Africa, six countries in the Asia-Pacific region were also impacted. They include Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam.
In Europe, the affected countries are Armenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovakia. South Asia was not spared, with Nepal and Sri Lanka listed among those impacted, while Guatemala and Suriname were affected in the Western Hemisphere.
All the recalled diplomats were appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden but had remained in office following an earlier round of changes during the initial months of Trump’s second term, which primarily targeted political appointees.
The U.S. State Department defended the decision, describing it as a normal practice during a change in administration. According to the department, ambassadors serve as direct representatives of the president and may be replaced to ensure alignment with the sitting president’s foreign policy agenda.
Officials explained that the affected diplomats were informed last week that their postings would end in January. They noted that ambassadors typically serve between three and four years, but their tenure ultimately depends on presidential discretion.
The officials added that the diplomats are not being removed from the foreign service and may return to Washington for other assignments if they choose.
The development signals a renewed push by the Trump administration to reshape U.S. diplomatic engagement globally, particularly in regions considered strategic to its foreign policy priorities.
Trump Recalls U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Orders Widespread Diplomatic Reshuffle
