Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo De La Espriella has announced plans to close its embassies in South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia and Senegal as part of a major restructuring of the country’s diplomatic network. The move, which is expected to take place after his inauguration on 7 August 2026 , will see Colombia close 14 embassies and around 15 consulates as the incoming administration seeks to reduce diplomatic spending and redirect resources toward domestic priorities. The affected African missions are among embassies in countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, Czechia, Ethiopi

Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo De La Espriella has announced plans to close its embassies in South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia and Senegal as part of a major restructuring of the country’s diplomatic network.

The move, which is expected to take place after his inauguration on 7 August 2026, will see Colombia close 14 embassies and around 15 consulates as the incoming administration seeks to reduce diplomatic spending and redirect resources toward domestic priorities.

The affected African missions are among embassies in countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, Czechia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Romania, Senegal and South Africa.

De La Espriella said the changes are aimed at making Colombia’s foreign service more efficient rather than ending relations with most countries affected. Colombian citizens in those countries will continue receiving consular services through diplomatic missions in neighbouring countries.

The diplomatic overhaul also includes plans to restore relations with Israel, reverse the previous government’s foreign policy approach and move Colombia’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The incoming president also announced plans to suspend the opening of a diplomatic mission to Palestine.

For Africa, the embassy closures represent a reduction in Colombia’s diplomatic presence on the continent, although officials say the country is not completely withdrawing from African partnerships.

The decision comes as several countries reassess their diplomatic networks amid economic pressures and changing global priorities. De La Espriella’s administration says savings from the restructuring will support areas such as security, healthcare, education and infrastructure.

President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella announces plans to close embassies in South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia and Senegal as part of a major foreign policy restructuring.

The move is expected to spark discussions among affected African countries about the future of diplomatic engagement with Colombia and the importance of maintaining strong international partnerships.

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