Decisions by the administration of US President Donald Trump to tighten entry restrictions on citizens from several countries have prompted diplomatic retaliation from two West African nations. Mali and Burkina Faso have announced that they will bar American citizens from entering their territories.
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the foreign ministries of Mali and Burkina Faso issued separate statements on Tuesday confirming the decision, which takes effect immediately.
Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move was taken under the principle of reciprocity. In its statement, the ministry said American citizens would face the same conditions imposed on Malian nationals seeking entry into the United States.
Burkina Faso announced a similar measure through an official statement signed by Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, confirming that entry restrictions on US nationals had been enforced.
The decisions come amid deteriorating relations between the United States and West African countries currently governed by military administrations. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are all under military rule and have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States, forming a separate regional alliance.
On December 16, the Trump administration expanded a previous travel ban, adding Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and 20 other countries to the restricted list. The White House cited security concerns, ongoing attacks by armed groups and insufficient access to reliable security information as key reasons for the move.
US officials have also linked the expansion of the travel ban to a November 26 shooting incident in Washington, D.C., in which two National Guard members were targeted. The Trump administration has cited the incident as an example to justify tighter immigration controls.
Announcing the restrictions, US authorities said the measures were necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals whose security risks could not be adequately assessed, stating that protecting public safety is a fundamental responsibility of the president.
Both Mali and Burkina Faso have been battling armed insurgent groups for several years. Military leaders who seized power after overthrowing civilian governments have pledged to restore stability and security while continuing military operations against rebel groups.
The latest developments signal a further widening of diplomatic tensions between the United States and military-led governments in West Africa.
