Mali and Burkina Faso have announced that they will be restricting travel for US citizens, in response to the US government’s decision to impose travel bans on their countries. This move comes after the US expanded its travel restrictions to include 20 additional nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, on December 16.
The governments of Mali and Burkina Faso have cited reciprocity as the reason for their decision, stating that American nationals will now face the same conditions imposed on their citizens. Mali’s foreign ministry announced that the new restrictions would be effective immediately, while Burkina Faso’s foreign minister echoed this stance in a separate statement.
The travel restrictions imposed by the US were reportedly due to ongoing attacks by armed groups in the region, which have posed a significant challenge to the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso. Both countries have been struggling to contain the violence, despite efforts to improve security.
The decision by Mali and Burkina Faso to restrict travel for US citizens highlights the deteriorating relations between Washington and the military-led governments of West Africa. The region has experienced a series of coups, leading to a breakdown in relations with the US and other Western countries. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also been affected, with some countries breaking away from the regional bloc.
The travel restrictions are likely to have significant implications for diplomatic relations between the US and the affected countries. The US government’s decision to impose travel bans has been seen as a response to security concerns, while the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso view the move as an unfair imposition. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the travel restrictions will impact relations between the US and West Africa.