Sierra Leone has been excluded from a list of African nations facing potential US embassy closures, according to reports citing an internal US State Department document.

While US President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly considering shutting down approximately 30 embassies and consulates globally, including several in Africa, Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, will not be affected.

CNN reported that the proposed closures, part of a broader plan to reduce the US diplomatic footprint, include embassies in the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan, as well as a US consulate in South Africa.

“The document recommends closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates. Many of the posts are in Europe and Africa, though they also include locations in Asia and the Caribbean,” the report stated.

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The leaked document also suggests reducing US presence in countries like Somalia and Iraq, which are central to US counterterrorism efforts.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the approval of these proposals. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the leaked document.

The U.S. Embassy in Freetown located in Southridge-Hill Station Freetown provides consular services to U.S. citizens and visa services to Sierra Leonean nationals. The embassy plays a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations between the United States and Sierra Leone, offering support and services to both Americans in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonens seeking to engage with the U.S.

The United States opened its embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone on April 27, 1961. This was when the American Consulate General in Freetown was upgraded to an embassy. Over the years, the U.S. Embassy has played an important role in promoting economic stability, and supporting democratic institutions in Sierra Leone.

The news that Sierra Leone’s embassy is not on the list comes as a relief, as the potential closure of US embassies in other African nations raises concerns about diplomatic relations and US engagement in the region.