US President Donald Trump has recalled Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, as part of a wide-ranging reorganisation of American diplomatic postings.
US officials said the decision forms part of a broader reshuffle affecting nearly 30 ambassadorial and senior embassy roles worldwide, aimed at bringing US diplomatic representation into line with President Trump’s “America First” foreign policy agenda.
State Department sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the affected ambassadors were appointed during the previous Biden administration and are expected to conclude their roles as chiefs of mission in January. While those impacted may return to Washington for alternative assignments if they choose, their current overseas postings will come to an end.
Africa has been the region most heavily impacted by the changes, with ambassadors recalled from 13 countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Uganda. Diplomatic missions in other regions, including the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere, are also affected.
The State Department described the development as routine, noting that ambassadors serve at the discretion of the president and are expected to advance the priorities of the sitting administration.
