U.S. State Department Plans to Close Embassy in Eritrea Amid Global Diplomatic Restructuring











An internal State Department memo obtained by The New York Times reveals that the United States is preparing to close its embassy in Eritrea as part of a broader restructuring of its diplomatic presence worldwide. The proposed changes, which include the closure of 10 embassies and 17 consulates, are part of an effort by the Trump administration to significantly reduce federal spending and realign U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Among the six African countries listed for embassy closures, Eritrea features prominently. The memo recommends that the U.S. Embassy in Asmara be closed, with diplomatic functions relocated to neighboring countries. The other embassies proposed for closure in Africa include those in the Central African Republic, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.

This move follows a period of already limited diplomatic engagement between Washington and Asmara. In February 2025, the U.S. suspended visa services at its embassy in Eritrea, citing operational challenges including restrictions on diplomatic movement, limited communication access, and concerns over staff security. Eritrean officials at the time rejected these claims, asserting that they have adhered to international diplomatic norms.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The proposed closure comes at a time when diplomatic influence on the African continent is increasingly contested. Analysts have raised concerns that reducing the American footprint, particularly in nations like Eritrea, could leave space for rivals such as China to expand their influence—both economically and politically.

China currently maintains a larger number of embassies in Africa than the United States and has been steadily investing in infrastructure, trade, and security partnerships throughout the region. Eritrea, strategically located on the Red Sea, has already drawn interest from both Gulf and Asian powers due to its geopolitical position.

Budget Cuts and Policy Shifts

The embassy closures are part of a broader plan under consideration by State Department leadership to cut the department’s overall budget by nearly 50 percent. The Trump administration has made cost-cutting a key component of its second-term agenda, aiming to reduce what it views as unnecessary foreign commitments in favor of domestic priorities.

In addition to Eritrea, the draft plan calls for closing embassies in small European and island nations, as well as several consulates in major cities throughout Europe and Asia. According to the memo, many of the diplomatic functions will be consolidated in regional hubs or transferred to embassies in neighboring countries.

Community and Operational Impact

If the plan moves forward, it could disrupt services for both American citizens residing in or traveling through Eritrea and Eritrean nationals seeking U.S. visas or consular assistance. Critics of the closures argue that eliminating direct diplomatic presence in complex regions undermines the ability to manage bilateral relations, provide accurate on-the-ground assessments, and support citizens in times of crisis.

The timeline for implementation remains unclear, and the plan has not yet been formally announced by the State Department. It is also not certain whether Congress will support the proposed reductions, as bipartisan concerns about diminishing American global influence have already been raised in response to earlier restructuring efforts.

The potential closure of the U.S. Embassy in Eritrea marks a significant development in American diplomatic posture in the Horn of Africa. While final decisions are still pending, the current proposals reflect a broader trend toward strategic downsizing, even in regions of longstanding geopolitical interest.

Further statements from the State Department and Eritrean officials are expected in the coming weeks as the administration moves closer to finalizing its diplomatic budget and operational framework.