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Burkina Faso, Mali impose visa bans on US citizens in retaliation
The measures by the West African countries comes as US expanded travel restrictions on dozens of countries, mainly in Africa, take effect on 1 January.
Burkina Faso, Mali impose visa bans on US citizens in retaliation
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are among countries on US total travel ban list. / Others
6 hours ago

Burkina Faso has retaliated following its inclusion in the US total travel ban list by the Trump administration.

Burkina Faso decided to "apply equivalent visa measures to nationals of the United States of America" in accordance with the "principle of reciprocity," a statement by Burkina Faso's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

"The Government of Burkina Faso remains committed to mutual respect, the sovereign equality of States and the principle of reciprocity in its international relations," the statement stressed, adding that the West African country "remains open to cooperation based on respect for mutual interests with all of its partners.’’

Bans take effect

Mali and Niger have also retaliated against the US travel ban.

"In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and international community that, with immediate effect, the Government of the Republic of Mali will apply the same conditions and requirements to US nationals as those imposed on Malian citizens," the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump had announced travel restrictions including a total ban or partial ban on 39 countries, most of them in Africa.

The decision, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, prohibits citizens of the affected countries from entering the US.

SOURCE:TRT Afrika and agencies