Mali and Burkina Faso said they will bar US citizens from entering their countries, calling the move a reciprocal response to Washington’s expanded travel restrictions that placed both Sahel states under full entry curbs.
In separate statements, officials in Ouagadougou and Bamako said the measures would apply to US nationals. Burkina Faso’s foreign minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, said the decision was based on the “principle of reciprocity”. Mali’s foreign ministry cited “mutual respect and sovereign equality”, saying it regretted the US decision and criticised the lack of prior consultation.
The announcements come days after neighbouring Niger said it would also bar US citizens, extending the tit-for-tat measures across the three junta-led states.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are ruled by military authorities that seized power in coups and have since formed their own regional bloc. The three have also pivoted towards Russia as relations with West African neighbours and Western governments have deteriorated.
Earlier this month, the White House said full-entry restrictions would be imposed on nationals from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as South Sudan, Syria and holders of Palestinian Authority passports. The restrictions are due to take effect on 1 January, with Washington saying the move is aimed at protecting US security.
The US administration also expanded the list by moving Laos and Sierra Leone from partial restrictions to the full ban, while placing partial restrictions on 15 other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
The White House said the curbs would remain until affected countries demonstrate “credible improvements” in identity management, information-sharing and cooperation with US immigration authorities.
US officials said the measures include exemptions and would not apply to lawful permanent residents, many existing visa holders, diplomats, or athletes travelling for major sporting events. Case-by-case waivers may also be granted when travel is deemed to be in the US national interest.