Mali and Burkina Faso have announced immediate reciprocal measures restricting entry for American nationals, in direct response to the United States expanding its travel ban to include citizens of both West African nations.
The decisions, issued separately by the foreign ministries of the two military-led governments on December 30-31, 2025, invoke the "principle of reciprocity" in international relations.
Mali's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, "with immediate effect," it would apply "the same conditions and requirements to US nationals as those imposed by the American authorities on Malian citizens entering the United States."
The statement expressed regret over the US decision, noting it was made "without the slightest prior consultation." Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister, Karamako Jean-Marie Traoré announced that the country would "immediately apply to US citizens the same entry conditions imposed on its citizens," emphasizing equivalent visa measures while reaffirming commitment to mutual respect and sovereign equality among states.
These retaliatory steps follow President Donald Trump's December 16, 2025, proclamation expanding US travel restrictions, effective January 1, 2026. The updated policy fully suspends visa issuance and entry for nationals of several countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali, citing national security concerns such as terrorist activities, armed conflicts, high visa overstay rates, and insufficient cooperation on deportations.
Both nations, along with Niger (also added to the full ban list), form the Alliance of Sahel States, a confederation that has distanced itself from Western influences and recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Niger has not yet formally announced countermeasures, though reports suggest similar actions may be under consideration. The developments shows escalating diplomatic tensions between the US and the Sahel region's junta-led governments amid ongoing security challenges in the area.
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