A NUMBER of US embassies across Africa may be shut down under a sweeping plan reportedly being considered by President Donald Trump’s administration. A confidential State Department document, obtained by CNN, outlines proposals to close nearly 30 embassies and consulates worldwide — with Africa emerging as one of the regions most affected.
The internal document recommends shutting embassies in Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. In addition, a US consulate in South Africa is also marked for closure. These sites are among the 10 embassies and 17 consulates listed for potential shutdown globally.
Although the plan remains in draft form, it reflects the Trump administration’s broader push to shrink the US federal government — part of an effort reportedly backed by the Elon Musk-aligned Department of Government Efficiency.
Africa facing disproportionate diplomatic cuts
The proposal, which has not yet been signed off by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recommends that neighbouring embassies absorb responsibilities for those marked for closure. This includes consular services, visa processing, political engagement and support for US citizens abroad.
Critics argue that such changes could leave large swathes of Africa diplomatically underserved, especially in fragile or high-risk regions where US presence has long supported conflict prevention, humanitarian response and counterterrorism.
The proposed reduction in Somalia — a country where the US remains heavily engaged in countering al-Shabaab — has drawn particular concern. Analysts warn that scaling back in such a strategic location could undermine security efforts across the Horn of Africa.
Strategic vacuum could benefit China, Russia
Diplomats and foreign policy analysts warn that reducing the American footprint in Africa could create an opening for China, Russia, and Turkey to expand their influence — particularly in regions where infrastructure investment, security assistance, and soft power are up for grabs.
‘Embassies are more than symbolic,’ said one former US envoy to CNN. ‘They are platforms for engagement, influence, and intelligence. Pulling back risks ceding ground to strategic rivals.’
Africa has become increasingly central in global geopolitical competition, with its rich natural resources, young workforce, and emerging markets attracting interest from global powers. A retreat from diplomatic presence may weaken Washington’s voice on the continent at a time when others are ramping up theirs.
Leaked memo suggests shift toward lighter footprints
The CNN-obtained document outlines plans not only for closures, but also for “resizing” major missions — particularly in Somalia and Iraq — and creating ‘FLEX-style’ outposts with limited staffing and narrow mandates.
In a cost-saving move, the memo also suggests dual-hatted leadership for officials in cities like Paris, where the US engages with multiple organisations, such as the OECD and UNESCO. While not specific to Africa, the concept may be extended to multi-agency postings on the continent in the future.
The evaluation criteria for post closures include regional bureau feedback, consular workload, cost per US direct hire, security ratings and infrastructure condition, the memo states.
State Department declines to confirm
The State Department has declined to comment on the leaked internal review. Speaking to CNN, spokesperson Tammy Bruce avoided confirming the document’s authenticity or its policy implications.
‘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.’
So far, ambassadorial appointments have been announced only for Malta and Luxembourg — two of the non-African embassies also listed for closure.
Washington’s diplomatic pivot?
The proposed closures are part of a broader reimagining of America’s global diplomatic presence under Trump, framed around efficiency and cost control. The White House appears to favour leaner, interest-driven bilateral ties over expansive diplomatic networks.
Supporters argue the current system is bloated and expensive. Critics warn that the US risks marginalising itself, especially in regions where development, defence cooperation and diplomacy are deeply intertwined — as is the case in much of Africa.
The fear is that without a physical presence, the US will be less equipped to respond to fast-moving developments, support democratic institutions or counter disinformation.
Rebalancing or retreat?
Whether the proposal becomes policy remains uncertain. But the internal memo makes one thing clear: Africa, once touted as a frontier for US engagement, may now be slipping down Washington’s list of priorities.
If the Trump administration proceeds with the closures, US diplomatic presence on the continent will shrink significantly, potentially altering long-standing relationships and giving geopolitical rivals a freer hand.
The world — and Africa — will be watching closely.
