The Trump administration will recall dozens of career ambassadors appointed under the previous administration of Joe Biden, as part of a sweeping reshuffle intended to align the diplomatic corps with its foreign policy priorities, according to multiple sources.

The heads of posts, mostly career diplomats, have been notified of their order to leave by the end of January, according to these sources confirming press reports that speak of nearly thirty countries concerned, particularly in Africa.

While it is not unusual for a government to reshuffle ambassadors appointed to strategic posts or capitals to place donors or supporters, such a reshuffle targeting career diplomats is unusual.

It is customary for career ambassadors to remain in their posts until the end of their term, at least until their successor is appointed.

The American Diplomatic Association (AFSA), which represents State Department employees, said it had received "reports from members around the world that several career ambassadors, appointed under the Biden administration, have been ordered by phone to leave their posts before January 15 or 16."

"No explanation has been given for these recalls," she added in a Facebook post.

"The dismissal without cause of high-ranking diplomats undermines the credibility of the United States abroad and sends a disturbing signal to the professional diplomatic corps," she said.

When contacted by AFP, the State Department did not confirm the details of these referrals or which countries were involved, but indicated that "this is a standard process in any administration."

"An ambassador is a personal representative of the president," and the president "has the right to ensure that he has people in those countries who are advancing the 'America First' agenda," a senior State Department official said on condition of anonymity.

Since returning to power, President Donald Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio have undertaken a profound reform of American diplomacy focused on US priorities, from combating illegal immigration and programs promoting diversity policies to foreign aid.

Mr. Rubio oversaw the dismissal of hundreds of personnel within the State Department, reorganized around the priorities of the Trump administration, and eliminated the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Meanwhile, the American president, who appoints ambassadors, has placed loyalists around the world.