WASHINGTON: The United States Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, is among approximately 30 career diplomats being removed from ambassadorial and other high-ranking embassy positions as the Trump administration seeks to realign the nation’s diplomatic corps with President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy.
Two State Department officials, who requested anonymity, confirmed that diplomatic heads in at least 29 countries were notified last week that their postings will conclude in January. This action represents one of the most substantial personnel changes affecting career diplomats since the beginning of President Trump’s current term.
Ambassador Riley assumed his position in May 2024 and has overseen the American mission in Somalia during a politically sensitive time. His leadership has concentrated on enhancing collaboration with Somali government officials regarding security, governance, and development initiatives, alongside backing democratic institutions and affirming Washington’s dedication to stability in the Horn of Africa region.
Majority of the impacted diplomats by these changes were appointed during the previous Biden administration but had initially remained in their posts following an earlier wave of adjustments under President Trump that primarily targeted political appointees rather than career diplomats.
Africa has experienced the highest number of recalls, with ambassadors from 13 nations being affected: Uganda, Niger, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Madagascar, Rwanda, Gabon, Mauritius, Burundi, Cameroon, Somalia.
The U.S. State Department declined to provide specific comments on individual cases or verify the precise number of diplomats being recalled, but defended the action, describing it as “a standard process in any administration.”
Ambassador Riley’s scheduled departure occurs at a critical juncture for Somalia, which is preparing for significant elections amidst an opposition boycott and growing apprehensions that political conflicts might intensify, prompting concerns about sustained American involvement during a transformative period for the nation.
