Mali's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 30/12 that it would impose immediate entry restrictions on US citizens. "In line with the principle of reciprocity", the ministry stated, "the government will apply conditions and requirements to US citizens similar to those imposed on Malian citizens".

Mali criticized the US for implementing the entry ban without prior consultation and for citing reasons that were not "true to reality".

Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop. Photo: AFP

On the same day, Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore issued a similar statement, banning US citizens from entering the country.

This retaliatory action follows US President Donald Trump's decision on 16/12 to expand a travel ban to 20 additional countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and several other African nations. The White House justified the ban, set to take effect on 1/1/2026, by stating it targets countries with "poor ability to verify, control, and prevent risks".

The US explained that the ban aims to "protect national security and public safety" by preventing individuals posing risks, such as terrorists or serious criminals, from entering US territory. This decision stems from an assessment that some countries provide insufficient or unreliable information, hindering the US's ability to determine visa risks.

Niger also responded to the US on 25/12, announcing a halt to visa issuance for US citizens.

By Ngoc Anh (AP, Hill, Reuters)