Ottawa mulls closing some embassies in Africa

[CHIMO]

Just weeks after losing a crucial vote for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, the Harper government is wrestling with a diplomatic move that could further damage its influence on the world stage.

The government is considering the closing of several Canadian embassies in Africa, a move that has triggered alarm among many foreign-policy activists. Up to four embassies – including those in Cameroon, Zambia and Tunisia – are said to be on the chopping block.

Since Canada has only 21 embassies in Africa today, the cuts would represent up to a fifth of its diplomatic posts on the continent. It would lead to accusations that the government is further neglecting Africa at a time of strained relations between Canada and Africa, especially after Ottawa failed to secure African votes in its bid for a Security Council seat.

If it happens, the closing of the embassies in Africa could be coupled with the opening of new embassies or trade offices in higher-priority regions such as Asia and Latin America. The Harper government has focused much of its attention on the emerging middle-income countries in those two regions, which are seen as more logical trading partners for Canada.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-mulls-closing-some-embassies-in-africa/article1792611/

[BolivarianHero]

1. What an idiot...

Hasn't this goddamn Bible-thumping fuckwit embarrassed our country enough already.

[Posteritatis]

2. The fact that there aren't 54 embassies on the continent sort of bugs me.

Well, maybe 53, what with the Somali situation and all, but you get my point.