US President Donald Trump has reportedly recalled the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and other career diplomats from their ambassadorial posts.
According to Politico, the directive is part of an effort to align US diplomatic representation abroad with President Trump’s “America First” priorities.
A State Department official confirmed to the news outlet that the ambassadors affected by the shake-up were first chosen during the Joe Biden administration but will now serve until January.
According to the official, the diplomats’ appointments as chiefs of mission will come to an end, although they may return to Washington for other duties.
The recalls have primarily affected Africa, with ambassadors from 13 countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda, among those withdrawn. Other affected areas include Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department described the moves as a “standard process in any administration,” stressing that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and are intended to advance the government’s policy interests.
“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.
Officials emphasized that the recalled diplomats will not lose their employment in the foreign service and can continue to serve in other capacities at the State Department.
However, the abrupt change is expected to need adjustments to embassy operations and diplomatic endeavors in the impacted nations.
The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes amid increased focus on US-Africa relations, raising concerns among certain politicians and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.
For Nigeria, the departure of the US envoy represents a significant shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country is an important partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development projects.
