The African Union (AU) has voiced concern over the United States' newly announced travel ban, which includes full or partial entry restrictions on several African countries. In a statement released today, the AU Commission urged Washington to reconsider the measure, warning of its damaging impact on diplomatic ties, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
The travel ban, reinstated by President Donald Trump on June 4, targets 12 countries, including seven from Africa: Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. The order also places limited restrictions on Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo, affecting specific visa categories such as business, student, and immigrant visas.
While acknowledging the United States' sovereign right to protect its national security and borders, the AU emphasized that such actions should be “evidence-based, proportionate, and undertaken in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership.”
"The decision risks undermining decades of collaboration in areas such as trade, education, and security," the AU Commission said. "We urge the United States government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected countries and consider the long-term implications of this action on U.S.-Africa relations."
According to CBS citing U.S. officials, the travel restrictions were introduced due to persistent issues such as high visa overstay rates and insufficient cooperation on identity documentation and information sharing.
The AU's statement also reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement and offered to support mediation efforts aimed at addressing U.S. security concerns while safeguarding Africa’s development goals.
The new travel ban is scheduled to take effect on June 9, 2025.