Leaked documents from the Trump administration reveal that the now-shelved proposal aimed to significantly scale back the US footprint abroad by closing multiple diplomatic missions, many of them in Africa and Europe. Among the African countries reportedly on the list were South Sudan, Lesotho, and the Central African Republic, along with consulates in South Africa and other key locations worldwide.

Zambian historian and political analyst Dr Euston Kasongo Chiputa says the move, if revived or imitated in the future, could come at a high cost for developing nations grappling with conflict and instability.

“South Sudan is already on shaky ground politically. In situations like this, the US often plays a quiet but important role behind the scenes, pressuring warring parties to come to the negotiating table and find common ground,”  Chiputa explained. “Without that presence, we could see a dangerous vacuum emerge.”

While the US may view such downsizing as a cost-cutting measure or a step toward limiting overseas commitments, Chiputa warns that the ripple effects in vulnerable regions could be far-reaching.

“Yes, of course for the US it might solve a lot of problems," he said, "but for South Sudan and Sudan, it will create a lot more problems.”

--ChannelAfrica--