Mali and Burkina Faso have announced new entry restrictions on United States citizens, saying the decision is a direct response to Washington’s move to place both countries under a full travel ban.
The decision was confirmed in separate official statements on Wednesday after the two West African nations were included in an expanded travel restriction list approved by US President Donald Trump, with the measures scheduled to take effect from January 1.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, said the move was taken on the “principle of reciprocity,” signalling that Ouagadougou was responding in kind to the restrictions imposed by Washington.
In a similar statement, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was guided by “mutual respect and sovereign equality,” while expressing dissatisfaction with the US action. The ministry said it regretted the development, noting that “such an important decision was made without any prior consultation.”
The announcement follows reports by Niger’s state news agency that Niger has also imposed a travel ban on US citizens, although the country’s foreign ministry has yet to officially confirm the measure.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are all governed by military juntas that came to power through coups. The three countries have since formed a regional alliance and shifted closer to Russia after relations with other West African states and Western governments became increasingly strained.
Earlier this month, the White House said full-entry restrictions would be imposed on citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as South Sudan, Syria and holders of Palestinian Authority passports, explaining that the move was intended to “protect the security” of the United States.
The US administration also upgraded Laos and Sierra Leone from partial to full travel restrictions, while imposing partial entry limits on 15 other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
According to the White House, the restrictions will remain in force until the affected countries demonstrate “credible improvements” in identity management, information sharing and cooperation with US immigration authorities.
US officials added that several exemptions would apply, stressing that the ban would not affect lawful permanent residents, many existing visa holders, diplomats or athletes travelling for major international sporting events, while waivers would be considered on a case-by-case basis where travel is deemed to be in the national interest.
Ademide Adebayo
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