Key Points
- Richard Mills must leave his role in Nigeria by next month. The move affects thirty top envoys across the world right now.
- Thirteen African nations will see their top US diplomats leave soon. This list includes countries like Niger and also Rwanda and Uganda.
- Officials say the envoys will keep their jobs in the service. The goal is to align foreign posts with the new agenda.
President Donald Trump has recalled the top US envoy to Nigeria. This order came from the White House on December 19, 2025. Richard Mills Jr must now prepare to leave his post soon.
The move is part of a huge change in global staff. It affects thirty senior envoys who serve in many foreign lands. The White House wants new faces to lead its work abroad.
A sudden shift in foreign plans
President Trump aims to align all posts with his own goals. Sources say this move supports his “America First” plan for us. Trump calls Nigeria a disgrace in recent remarks on global policy.
The government wants loyal staff to push its new global rules. Many of the envoys on the list began under Joe Biden. They kept their jobs for a short time under the new leader.
Richard Mills assumed his role in Abuja on July 25, 2024. He has served as the chief US voice there since then. The envoy must now wrap up his duties in a few weeks.
This shakeup marks one of the biggest moves in recent times. It sends a clear signal to partners across the entire globe. The administration wants a fresh start with its key foreign partners.
Envoys to return home next month
The state office told the group about the end date recently. They learned the news during the third week of December 2025. All assignments for this group will end in January 2026.
Officials clarify that the envoys will not lose their jobs. They can choose to take up new roles in Washington. Trump orders reexamination of green card as part of this shift.
A source spoke to the press about this sudden news. Envoys serve at the pleasure of the president at all times. Most chiefs of mission stay in their posts for three years.
The state department did not confirm the total count at first. They described the move as a routine part of the job. A spokesperson said the president picks staff to suit his own needs.
This transition allows the leader to put his own people in place. It ensures that his views are clear in every foreign capital. The recalled staff will likely assist with the handover process soon.
Africa faces the biggest changes
The list of recalled staff focuses heavily on African nations. Thirteen countries on the continent will see their envoys leave soon. This group includes Burundi as well as Cameroon and also Gabon.
Other nations on the list include Senegal and also Somalia. The order also affects top staff in Uganda and also Cape Verde. Asia sees six changes in this new plan from the top.
Changes will also happen in Europe and the Middle East. The sheer scale of the recall has caught many by surprise. It marks a bold start to the second term of Trump.
Nigeria remains a key partner for the US in Africa. The recall of Mills raises questions about the next steps there. Observers wait to see who will take up the role next.
Diplomats in the Asia-Pacific region also face a similar fate. Six envoys in that area must pack their bags soon. The reshuffle touches almost every corner of the global map.
The focus on Africa suggests a review of ties there. Each new envoy will bring a new style to the job. The world will watch how these changes shape future talks.
