The Trump administration has recalled the United States ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, as part of a broader reshuffle of nearly 30 ambassadorial and senior embassy positions worldwide, officials say. The move is part of an effort to align US diplomatic representation abroad with President Donald Trump’s “America First” priorities.
State Department officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the ambassadors affected by the shake-up had initially been appointed during the Biden administration but will now end their tenures in January. While the diplomats will return to Washington for other assignments if they wish, their postings as chiefs of mission will conclude.
Africa has been the region most affected by the recalls, with ambassadors from 13 countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda, among those removed. Other regions affected include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department described the changes as a “standard process in any administration,” noting that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and are meant to advance the administration’s policy priorities. “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,” a department spokesperson said.
The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes amid heightened attention on US-Africa relations and has drawn concern from some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.
Politico was the first to report on the ambassadorial recalls, highlighting the significant impact on the continent. For Nigeria, the departure of the US envoy marks a notable shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country is a key partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development initiatives.
Officials stressed that the recalled diplomats are not losing their jobs in the foreign service and can continue serving in other capacities within the State Department. However, the sudden change is expected to require adjustments in embassy operations and diplomatic initiatives in the affected countries.
Melissa Enoch
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