Mali and Burkina Faso have announced new travel restrictions on United States nationals in a reciprocal response to Washington’s decision to impose entry bans on citizens of several countries, including the two West African states.
The measures were confirmed in separate statements issued by the foreign ministries of both countries and obtained on Wednesday.
The two governments said they were applying “equivalent measures” after the administration of US President Donald Trump expanded a travel ban earlier this month to nearly 40 countries based on nationality.
Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry said it would impose equivalent visa restrictions on American citizens, while Mali announced that it was immediately applying the same conditions and requirements placed on Malian nationals seeking entry into the United States.
Mali’s foreign ministry expressed regret that the decision by the US authorities was taken “without the slightest prior consultation.”
The expanded US travel ban includes nationals of Syria, Palestinian Authority passport holders, and citizens of several African countries, including Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The White House said the restrictions were intended to prevent the entry of foreigners who “intend to threaten” the safety of Americans.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military juntas, are members of a regional confederation that also includes Niger.
Although Niger has not formally announced counter-measures, its state news agency previously reported, citing a diplomatic source, that similar reciprocal actions had been approved.
In the December 17 announcement, the United States also imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens of other African countries, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, as well as Canada and Mexico.
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