The US State Department confirmed that chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were notified last week that their assignments would conclude in January, with the option to return to Washington for reassignment within the Department. Most of the recalled ambassadors were appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden but had remained in their posts following an earlier review primarily focused on political appointees.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the recalls as “a standard process in any administration,” noting that ambassadors serve at the discretion of the president.
She emphasised that the recalled diplomats remain valued members of the Foreign Service and may continue serving in other capacities, though operational adjustments at the affected embassies will be required.
The recall of the ambassador to Nigeria occurs amid heightened attention to US-Africa relations. Nigeria continues to be a key partner in regional security, economic cooperation, and development initiatives.
Prior to his recall, Ambassador Mills addressed concerns regarding recent US visa restrictions, stressing that they were intended to strengthen security procedures rather than penalise Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja during a visit by a US Congressional Delegation, he said, “The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians.”
Africa has been the region most affected by the recalls, with ambassadors from 13 countries—including Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda—among those impacted. Other regions affected include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
