The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the closure of nearly 30 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide—including several in Africa—as part of a broader plan to scale back America’s diplomatic footprint.
According to a CNN report published on Wednesday, which cites an internal U.S. State Department document, embassies in the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan are among those identified for possible closure. A U.S. consulate in South Africa may also be affected.
“The document recommends shutting down 10 embassies and 17 consulates. Many of the targeted posts are located in Europe and Africa, along with several in Asia and the Caribbean,” the report stated. Among the listed embassies are those in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
In addition, the report mentions the potential closure of five consulates in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one each in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and South Korea.
The proposed closures are reportedly part of a broader initiative driven by the Trump administration and influenced by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency. The plan aims to significantly reduce the size and budget of federal institutions, including the State Department.
The internal memo also recommends scaling back U.S. diplomatic operations in countries such as Somalia and Iraq—nations that have long played a critical role in U.S. counterterrorism strategies.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the proposal. A spokesperson for the department declined to comment on the leaked document.
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