Trump Administration Considers Shutting Down US Embassies in Africa

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing the closure of nearly 30 embassies and consulates worldwide, including several in Africa, as part of a broader plan to streamline the United States’ diplomatic presence abroad. This information comes from an internal document from the US State Department, which was obtained by CNN.

Among the embassies proposed for closure are those in Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. Additionally, a consulate in South Africa is also on the list for potential shutdown.

This proposal comes as the administration pushes forward with an effort to reduce the size of the US federal government, drawing influence from the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency. In total, the document suggests closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates around the world, including missions in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Africa, however, stands out as a major region on the closure list, raising concerns over the possible diplomatic and developmental consequences for the continent. While it remains unclear whether US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved these recommendations, the document suggests that diplomatic operations in the affected countries would be consolidated into missions in neighboring countries.

The embassies and consulates under consideration for closure have been evaluated based on factors such as consular workload, cost efficiency, security, and feedback from regional experts. In Africa, American diplomatic missions are key in supporting development initiatives, humanitarian programs, security partnerships, and visa services. Thus, the closure of these outposts could have far-reaching implications for US engagement on the continent.

Countries like South Sudan and the Central African Republic have been crucial to US peacekeeping and stability efforts. A reduction in diplomatic presence in these regions could complicate ongoing international efforts in peace and stability.

The administration has nominated new ambassadors for only two of the embassies proposed for closure—Malta and Luxembourg—fueling speculation that the plan is more about reducing costs than strategic diplomacy.

In response to inquiries about the leaked document, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the plans, urging reporters to await official communication from the White House and President. “I would suggest that you check with the White House and the President of the US as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they submit to Congress,” Bruce said. “The kinds of numbers and what we tend to see is reporting that is early or wrong, based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown.”

While consulates and embassies may not always have large teams, they play essential roles in processing visas, supporting American citizens, and gathering vital political and security intelligence. Reducing these outposts—especially in sensitive geopolitical regions like Africa—could potentially weaken US influence, particularly as countries like China expand their diplomatic networks.

As part of a broader restructuring, the State Department is also exploring more flexible staffing models, such as “FLEX-style light footprint posts” and leadership roles covering multiple missions, as part of efforts to further reduce costs.