According to CNN, US President Donald Trump has begun a move to close several embassies in Africa and other parts of the world.
Around 30 embassies and consulates around the world are said to be affected by the Trump administration’s decision.
According to a CNN report, the move is part of a drastic plan to cut domestic diplomatic presence overseas.
Embassies in the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lesotho and South Sudan are among those proposed for closures, including the US consulate in South Africa, according to the station.
“The document recommends the closure of 10 embassies and 17 consulates. Many of the posts are located in Europe and Africa, but also include locations in Asia and the Caribbean.
“These include embassies in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan.
“The list includes five French consuls, two in Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in the UK, one in South Africa and the other in South Korea,” the report states.
CNN said internal documents also suggest that they reduce the US presence in countries such as Somalia and Iraq, which are central to US counterterrorism efforts.
There was no official confirmation that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had approved the proposal, and a department spokesman declined to comment on the leaked documents.
