Countries Affected by Recalls

Although the State Department declined to confirm locations, multiple reports say recalled envoys were serving in a range of countries, predominantly in Africa.

These include Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Cameroon, Burundi, Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, Mauritius, Egypt, and Cape Verde.

Officials familiar with the matter said many of the recalled envoys were career Foreign Service officers posted to smaller or mid-sized countries rather than political appointees.

State Department and Diplomatic Backlash

A senior U.S. official said ambassadors are personal representatives of the president and that recalls are a “standard process.”

The American Foreign Service Association, however, called the process irregular, saying some diplomats were informed abruptly and without explanation.

Lawmakers warned the recalls come as around 80 ambassadorial posts remain vacant, raising concerns about continuity and influence in strategically contested regions.

Broader Diplomatic Shift

The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader effort to install loyalists across national security and foreign policy roles.

Supporters say the president has broad authority over diplomatic appointments, while critics argue the scale and timing mark a sharp departure from precedent.

The episode underscores how personnel decisions are becoming a central tool of U.S. foreign policy realignment.