BREAKING: Trump recalls US Ambassador to Nigeria, other Diplomats in major cabinet shake-up

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly recalled the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, along with other career diplomats serving as ambassadors. 

According to Politico, the decision is part of a broader move to align America’s diplomatic presence abroad with President Trump’s “America First” policy agenda.

A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors were originally appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden and will now conclude their tenures in January.

The official added that while the diplomats may return to Washington to take up other assignments if they choose, their roles as chiefs of mission in their respective countries will come to an end.

Africa has been the region most affected by the recalls, with ambassadors from 13 countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda, among those removed. Other regions affected include the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.

The State Department, in a statement, described the changes as a “standard process in any administration,” noting that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and are meant to advance the administration’s 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 read.

Officials stressed that the recalled diplomats are not losing their jobs in the foreign service and can continue serving in other capacities within the State Department.

However, the sudden change is expected to require adjustments in embassy operations and diplomatic initiatives in the affected countries.

The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria comes amid heightened attention on US-Africa relations and has drawn concern from some lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomats.

For Nigeria, the departure of the US envoy marks a notable shift in diplomatic engagement at a time when the country is a key partner in regional security, economic collaboration, and development initiatives.

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