United States President Donald Trump has recalled his country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and other career diplomats from their ambassadorial posts.
The departure of the US envoy from Nigeria is a shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country is a key partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development initiatives.
The Politico reports that the move was part of an effort to align US diplomatic representation abroad with the President’s “America First” priorities.
A State Department official told the news platform that the ambassadors involved in the alignment were appointed by the Joe Biden administration and will now end their tenures in January.
The diplomats will now return to Washington for other assignments if they wish as their postings as chiefs of mission will end, according to the official.
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, in a statement, said the changes were a “standard process in any administration,” adding 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,” the statement read.
The officials said the withdrawn diplomats are not losing their jobs in the foreign service, adding that they will continue to serve in other capacities within the State Department.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.
The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria is taking place when tension is high and with attention on US-Africa relations which has drawn concern from some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.
