KATHMANDU, JUNE 8
The Africa chapter of the Federation of International Nepali Youth Entrepreneurs (FINE Africa) has urged the government to reconsider its reported plan to close or restructure Nepali diplomatic missions in Africa, warning that the move could adversely affect Nepali citizens, businesses and national interests in the region.
In a statement issued by FINYE Africa Regional President Ram Prasad Padhya, the organisation said Nepali embassies play a crucial role in providing consular services, promoting trade and investment, facilitating legal assistance and supporting the growing Nepali community in Africa.
FINYE Africa argued that Nepal already has limited diplomatic representation on the continent, with only two missions serving more than 50 African countries. The Embassy of Nepal in Pretoria, South Africa, alone covers 22 countries.
The organisation said closing diplomatic missions would weaken Nepal's engagement with a region that offers growing opportunities in trade, employment and investment, while creating difficulties for Nepali workers, students and entrepreneurs requiring consular support.
It also noted that many Nepali peacekeepers are deployed in African countries and that the number of Nepalis travelling to the continent for employment, education and business has been increasing in recent years.
FINYE Africa called on the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess the long-term implications of any decision, consult with diaspora communities and business groups, and explore alternative cost-cutting measures without reducing Nepal's diplomatic presence in Africa.