US considers scaling down embassy operations in Somalia
The United States is reportedly planning to reduce the capacity of its embassy in Mogadishu as part of a broader proposal to restructure its diplomatic presence globally, according to documents obtained by US media.
An internal State Department document reviewed by CNN indicates that nearly 30 American embassies and consulates across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean could be closed under the proposed plan.
Among the key changes under consideration is a significant reduction in the diplomatic footprint of the US embassies in Somalia and Iraq — two countries deeply impacted by Washington’s prolonged foreign military involvement.
The document recommends that the State Department “work with the interagency to reduce or eliminate State’s footprint in Mogadishu.”
In addition to the planned cuts in Somalia and Iraq, the proposal outlines the permanent closure of ten embassies, including those in Eritrea, Grenada, Lesotho, the Central African Republic, Luxembourg, the Republic of Congo, Gambia, South Sudan, Malta, and the Maldives.
According to the document, diplomatic coverage for these countries would be handled from neighbouring missions. For instance, Eritrea would fall under the jurisdiction of the US embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, while Malta would be covered by the embassy in Italy.
US officials have not yet publicly commented on the proposed changes, which remain under review. The Somali government has also not issued any statement on the developments.
