Africa is alarmed by a leaked draft executive order from the administration of President Donald Trump. Several embassies and consulates on the continent may close as a result of the draft order’s plans to reorganize the U.S. State Department.
The document calls for the closure of U.S. embassies in nations such as South Sudan, the Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Eritrea, Gambia, and the Central African Republic. The list also includes consulates in Durban, South Africa, and Douala, Cameroon.
This action is a component of a larger plan to dramatically reduce foreign aid by over 75% and the State Department’s budget by 50%. The Trump administration wants to reduce its worldwide diplomatic representation while concentrating diplomatic activities into four regional centers.
The proposal also calls for the closure of important State Department bureaus, particularly those that deal with international organizations, climate, human rights, democracy, gender equality, and African affairs.
At a time when other nations, especially China, are extending their influence in Africa, critics contend that the proposal might drastically diminish American influence there.
Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, responded by pleading with Washington to offer substitute assistance to communities that would be negatively impacted by the aid reductions. Foreign policy scholars and diplomats are alarmed by the proposal, even if it hasn’t been approved yet.
Many caution that the proposed changes could jeopardize long-standing foreign alliances and show a turn toward isolationism. The draft order is currently awaiting a final determination.
By Kenyans