U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a sweeping plan to reduce America’s diplomatic footprint by proposing the closure of several embassies and consulates across the globe, including in Africa.
Citing an internal U.S. State Department document, CNN revealed that around 30 diplomatic missions—10 embassies and 17 consulates—have been listed for potential closure. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scale back foreign engagement and cut operational costs.
Among the African nations affected by the proposal are:
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Republic of Congo
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Central African Republic
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Lesotho
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South Sudan
Additionally, a U.S. consulate in South Africa is included in the list.
The proposed closures are not limited to Africa. The document also recommends shutting down embassies in:
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Malta
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Luxembourg
And consulates in:
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France (five locations)
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Germany (two locations)
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Bosnia and Herzegovina (two locations)
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United Kingdom (one location)
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South Korea (one location)
The internal memo also suggests reducing the U.S. diplomatic presence in countries like Somalia and Iraq, which have long been focal points for U.S. counterterrorism operations.
As of now, there is no official confirmation that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the proposal. A spokesperson for the State Department declined to comment on the leaked document.
If approved, the closures would mark a major shift in America’s global diplomatic engagement strategy, particularly in Africa and other regions critical to international development and security partnerships.
