President Donald Trump has announced the recall of Richard Mills, the US ambassador to Nigeria, as part of a significant diplomatic overhaul affecting over two dozen American missions worldwide. Nigeria is one of 15 African countries impacted by these changes, which also include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, and several others.
The recall follows a decision to align US diplomatic postings with Trump’s “America First” foreign policy priorities, with officials stating that the ambassadors being recalled were initially appointed during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Their tenures will officially end in January, but they will retain their foreign service jobs and may be reassigned within the State Department.
Mills, confirmed as ambassador in May, leaves amid strained US-Nigeria relations, particularly regarding visa issues and security concerns. His departure comes at a time when both nations have been working to strengthen bilateral ties, including discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, about cooperation on security matters.
The recall is seen as part of a broader shift in US diplomatic strategy, impacting various regions including the Asia-Pacific and Europe.
