United States President Donald Trump has recalled US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, along with several other career diplomats, from their ambassadorial roles
Reports from Politico indicate the move is part of an effort to align US diplomatic representation with Trump’s “America First” agenda. A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors, originally appointed during the Biden administration, will end their tenures in January.
While the diplomats can return to Washington for other assignments, their roles as chiefs of mission will conclude. Africa has been the region most impacted, with ambassadors from 13 countries—including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda—among those recalled. Other affected regions include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department described the recalls as a “standard process in any administration,” noting that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president to advance 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 said.
Officials emphasized that the recalled diplomats are not losing their foreign service positions and may continue serving in other capacities within the department. However, the sudden changes are expected to require adjustments in embassy operations and diplomatic initiatives in the affected countries.
The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes amid increased focus on US-Africa relations, raising concerns among some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association. For Nigeria, the departure of the envoy represents a significant shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country remains a key partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development efforts.
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