U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new policy to recall American ambassadors from 29 countries around the world, the majority of them in Africa, including Rwanda.
The decision was made public in a statement issued by the United States Department of State on December 22, 2025.
According to the statement, President Trump plans to withdraw U.S. ambassadors from 15 African countries. Among those affected is the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, Eric W. Kneedler, who is expected to end his diplomatic mission in the early months of next year.
Eric W. Kneedler was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda on October 18, 2023, by former President Joe Biden, in line with established diplomatic appointment procedures.
Africa accounts for the largest number of countries impacted by the decision. These include Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, and Uganda.
Beyond Africa, the move also affects countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with six nations listed, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea. In Europe, four countries are affected: Armenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovakia.
President Trump’s decision is linked to governance considerations and his political doctrine known as “America First,” which emphasizes appointing diplomatic representatives who fully align with and actively support his administration’s policies and decisions.
The policy also prioritizes U.S. national interests, seeks to reduce foreign aid and international cooperation commitments, and aims to address security concerns associated with high levels of immigration to the United States.
However, several U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern that these changes could negatively affect America’s diplomatic relations and long-standing partnerships with other countries.
