Trump Moves To Close US Embassies In Africa

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering shutting down nearly 30 embassies and consulates around the world. This move is part of a broader plan to streamline America’s diplomatic operations abroad.

CNN reported that this proposal is detailed in an internal State Department document.

The document also suggests reducing the scale of U.S. diplomatic missions in Somalia and Iraq—two countries that have played a significant role in America’s counter-terrorism efforts—along with resizing several other missions.

This proposed action follows a wider expected restructuring of the U.S. diplomatic system, as the Trump administration, with support from the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to downsize the federal government.

It remains unclear if Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the proposed shutdowns.

Countries To Face Embassy/ Consulate Closure

The internal document reportedly lists 10 embassies and 17 consulates for closure. These diplomatic sites are mostly located in Europe and Africa, with others in Asia and the Caribbean.

Countries where embassies may be closed include Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.

Consulates listed for closure include five in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in the United Kingdom, one in South Africa, and one in South Korea.

According to the document, duties from the closed embassies would be reassigned to nearby diplomatic outposts in neighboring countries.

When contacted, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm details from the internal document or comment on plans to cut the department.

“I would suggest that you check with the White House and the President of the US as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they submit to Congress. The kinds of numbers and what we tend to see is reporting that is early or wrong, based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown,” Bruce said.

So far, the White House has nominated ambassadors for only two of the embassies mentioned in the document—Malta and Luxembourg.

Why The Closure?

Foreign Aid Restriction

The Trump administration proposed significant cuts to the State Department and USAID budgets, aiming to reduce foreign aid by nearly 75%. This fiscal strategy included plans to close up to 30 U.S. diplomatic missions abroad, with a notable focus on African nations.

The deliberations come as the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency pursue a rapid and massive downsizing of the federal government, cutting billions of dollars in spending and terminating thousands of employees.

Realignment Of U.S Foreign Policy

Trump’s foreign policy emphasized a transactional approach, prioritizing direct benefits to the U.S. which aligns with his “America First” agenda over traditional diplomatic engagements. This shift led to a deprioritization of certain regions, including Africa, in favor of areas deemed more strategically vital to U.S. interests.

Understaffed Embassies

Many U.S. embassies in Africa faced staffing shortages and resource limitations, hindering their operational effectiveness. These challenges contributed to the administration’s decision to reevaluate the presence and necessity of certain diplomatic missions on the continent.

What’s Next For Africa

Embassies are central to maintaining diplomatic ties. When a U.S. embassy shuts down, It limits direct engagement between U.S. officials and African governments and It slows or halts diplomatic negotiations and cooperation on issues like security, trade, and governance.

Africa would have to strengthen ties with other global partners to fill diplomatic and economic gaps left by the U.S.

Impact on Visas and Investment deals

This might lead to visa processing delays for students, travelers, and migrants. Trade and investment deals involving U.S. companies may slow down or be re-evaluated.

Impact on Aid and Programs

Embassies often oversee and coordinate U.S. aid and development projects. A shutdown may:
Delay or suspend projects funded by USAID or other agencies.
Create uncertainty for local NGOs and communities dependent on such support.

Africa would have to use multilateral forums (like the UN or G20) for continued dialogue on key issues.