US President Donald Trump
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Almost half of the countries on the African continent are facing some sort of travel restrictions instigated by President Donald Trump’s White House. On Tuesday, Trump signed a proclamation significantly expanding the United States’ travel restrictions regime, increasing the number of affected countries from 19 to 39.
Twelve of the 15 countries that face partial restrictions are in Africa. They include Angola, Benin, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The majority of the affected countries are in Africa, and they include Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Burkina Faso.
Others include Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Angola, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Of the five countries whose citizens joined the list on Tuesday of those banned from entering the United States, four are in Africa — Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and South Sudan, which was already facing significant travel restrictions.
Wall curtain around US
Since taking office early this year, Trump has halted or significantly tightened every legal and illegal form of foreign entry into the US.
This works hand in hand with the ongoing mass deportation campaign. He has also ordered for a pause on asylum decisions, as well as a review of cases under the Biden administration, and a re-examination of certain green-card holders.
The new restrictions are broader and more punitive than those during Trump’s first presidency, which largely targeted Muslim-majority countries and which were reversed in 2021.
The media reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem earlier this month recommended that the Trump administration expands the list of affected countries to between 30 to 32.
African Union reacts
The 55-nation African Union has warned of the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations” built over decades.
“The United States should protect its borders in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing ties and partnership between the U.S. and Africa,” said Nuur Mohamu, the African Union spokesman.
He further warned of the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations built over decades.
The move marks one of the most sweeping extensions of travel controls under the Trump administration and forms part of a broader tightening of immigration policy.
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