Trump takes fresh action on Nigeria
United States President Donald Trump has ordered the recall of Richard Mills, the US ambassador to Nigeria.
This is part of a wide diplomatic change affecting more than two dozen American missions across the world.
Nigeria is one of fifteen African countries affected by the decision.
Other African nations involved include Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.
The shake-up also reached the Asia-Pacific region, where envoys in Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam were recalled.
In Europe, Armenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovakia were affected, while Guatemala and Suriname were impacted in the Americas.
Officials at the US State Department disclosed that the ambassadors involved were informed last week that their postings would end in January.
The diplomats had earlier remained in office during the initial months of Trump’s second term, which mainly removed political appointees.
However, new notices were sent from Washington last Wednesday directing them to prepare for their exit.
Reports indicate that the recalls are linked to efforts to align US missions abroad with President Trump’s America First foreign policy direction.
A State Department official confirmed that the affected ambassadors were appointed under former President Joe Biden and would conclude their duties as heads of mission in January.
Ambassadors usually serve for three to four years.
Although their ambassadorial roles will end, the officials said the diplomats would remain in the foreign service and could return to Washington for other duties if they wish.
Mills, who was confirmed as US ambassador to Nigeria in May, is leaving at a time when relations between both countries have faced tension, especially over visa matters and security issues.
His recall, however, comes as Nigeria and the United States continue talks aimed at improving cooperation.
Recently, Mills held talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, on areas of mutual interest.
This followed comments by US Congressman Riley Moore suggesting that both countries were close to finalising a security framework focused on addressing terrorism in Nigeria.