In a significant diplomatic move, former US President Donald Trump has ordered the recall of Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria. This action forms part of a sweeping global reshuffle of American diplomatic postings, with reports indicating that Africa is the most impacted continent in this widespread change.
A Seasoned Diplomat's Abrupt Departure
Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr., a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, was confirmed to his post in Nigeria on May 2, 2024. His tenure was notably brief, as the recall order came just months after he assumed the crucial role in Abuja. The reshuffle affected ambassadors in more than two dozen countries worldwide.
Mills brought a wealth of experience to the role. Immediately prior to his Nigerian assignment, he served as the Deputy Representative of the United States to the United Nations. His distinguished career included serving as the US Ambassador to Armenia from 2015 to 2018. He also held senior positions such as Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Canada and Deputy Chief of Mission in Beirut, Lebanon, and Malta.
The Background of Ambassador Richard Mills
Richard Mills began his long journey in diplomacy by joining the US Foreign Service in 1988. Over the decades, he took on various challenging assignments. These included serving as the Senior Democracy Advisor at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Political Counsellor at the US Embassy in London, and Attaché for Energy Issues at the US Embassy in Riyadh.
His academic and legal foundation is equally impressive. Mills earned a B.A. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. He later obtained an M.S. in National Security Policy from the National Defense University in 2005. Before his diplomatic career, he practiced law as an Associate Attorney in Washington, D.C.
His professional excellence was recognized with numerous awards, including nine Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State and a nomination for the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Year Award in 2012. Fluent in French and conversational Russian, his language skills aided his work across diverse regions.
Implications and Context of the Recall
The sudden recall of such an experienced diplomat marks a significant shift in the United States' diplomatic presence in Nigeria, a key strategic partner in West Africa. Observers note that the move underscores the scale of the global reshuffle ordered by the Trump administration.
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about US security cooperation with Nigeria. Notably, a recent bipartisan US Congressional delegation visiting Abuja clarified that Washington would not deploy troops to Nigeria. Instead, the US strategy focuses on encouraging reforms through diplomatic pressure and partnership, a stance communicated during assessments of security and religious freedom concerns.
On a personal note, Ambassador Mills is married to Leigh Carter, a retired career diplomat who served for 25 years in the US Foreign Service. The recall concludes another chapter in Mills's extensive service, leaving a vacancy at a pivotal time in US-Nigeria relations.
