Shock over possible US Embassy closure
RETHABILE MOHONO
MASERU – Basotho and the country at large have been left stunned by revelations that the United States Embassy in Maseru is listed among embassies for possible closure as part of a dramatic US global restructuring diplomatic operations under the administration of President Donald Trump.
An internal document from the US State Department, recently leaked to international media, lists Lesotho among 30 embassies and consulates that could be permanently closed. The proposed changes are part of a wider effort to downsize the federal government and reduce diplomatic footprints abroad.
According to the document, the Trump administration, encouraged by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency, is reviewing American embassies and consulates with an eye toward closures, cost-saving consolidations, and “resizing” diplomatic missions worldwide.
In addition to Lesotho, other embassies on the chopping block include those in Malta, Luxembourg, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. Several consulates in France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK, South Africa, and South Korea are also listed for potential closure.
If approved, responsibilities of the US Embassy in Lesotho could be transferred to a regional embassy in a neighbouring country, potentially impacting services for Basotho citizens and Americans residing or traveling into the country.
The embassy in Maseru plays a vital role in processing visas, offering emergency assistance to US citizens, and supporting development and health projects across Lesotho. It also serves as a key diplomatic link between Lesotho and the US government, particularly in areas of education, health, and security.
Although no official confirmation has been issued, the document indicates the proposal originated from the State Department’s undersecretary for management. It suggests posts were evaluated based on several criteria, including feedback from regional bureaus, consular workload, security ratings, and cost per US direct-hire employee.
Asked for comment by international media US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm or deny the plan.
“I would suggest that you check with the White House and the President of the US as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they submit to Congress,” Bruce said. “The kinds of numbers and what we tend to see is reporting that is early or wrong, based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown.”
Only two embassies listed for closure – Malta and Luxembourg – have received ambassadorial nominees since the list surfaced, raising further questions about the seriousness of the proposed shutdowns.
Experts warn that the closure of the US Embassy in Lesotho could hinder diplomatic relations, reduce development support, and delay critical services like visa applications and consular assistance.
The embassy in Maseru has long been a partner in major projects such as the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Peace Corps programs, and initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and women’s health.
With China’s influence growing steadily across Africa, analysts say reducing the US presence in the region could create a diplomatic vacuum and weaken America’s soft power.
It remains unclear whether US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has endorsed the recommendations. However, international reports suggest the State Department has already started closing some of the consulates listed in the leaked document.
Meanwhile contacted for comment US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Charles Blake told this publication that “No embassy or consulate closures have been announced, and operations continue as normal”.
Foreign Affairs Public Relations Officer Kutloano Pheko the issue remains just what it is, “a consideration”.
It has not been diplomatically communicated, he said.
As the world waits for official confirmation, Basotho citizens and government officials alike are left questioning what the future holds for US – Lesotho relations.
