The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the closure of nearly 30 American embassies and consulates around the world, with several African countries potentially affected.
According to a report by CNN on Wednesday, which cited a leaked internal document from the U.S. State Department, embassies in countries such as the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan are among those listed for possible closure. The proposal also includes the U.S. consulate in South Africa.
The report revealed that the document suggests shutting down a total of 10 embassies and 17 consulates. While many of the affected locations are in Africa and Europe, others are situated in Asia and the Caribbean. Specific countries mentioned include Malta, Luxembourg, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and South Africa.
The proposal is said to be part of a broader plan reportedly supported by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency. The aim, according to the leaked document, is to streamline federal government operations by cutting down on the size and budget of agencies like the State Department.
Additionally, the classified memo suggests a reduction in the U.S. presence in conflict-prone areas like Somalia and Iraq—two nations where American forces have long been involved in counter-terrorism missions.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation on whether U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports the proposal. The State Department has also declined to comment on the contents of the leaked document.
