African Union: Trump Africa travel ban risks strained diplomatic ties
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The African Union warns that Trump’s 2025 travel ban on seven African nations could damage longstanding diplomatic and economic ties, urging the US to pursue dialogue.
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Locals walk across a busy marketplace in N'djamena, Chad in this undated photo (Issouf Sanogo/AFP)
The African Union has issued a warning that the Trump's 2025 travel ban on African countries could harm diplomatic, educational, and economic relations between the US and several African nations.
The statement came after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation restricting travel from seven countries on the continent, citing national security concerns.
In a statement posted Thursday on X, the AU’s executive branch expressed alarm over the decision, stating it could reverse decades of carefully nurtured ties between the US and Africa.
“The African Union remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and broader diplomatic relations,” the AU said.
African Union calls for dialogue over Trump travel ban
The African Union's response to Trump's ban included a request for the US government to reconsider its approach and consult directly with the countries affected.
“We urge the United States to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned,” the AU statement read.
The AU emphasized that long-standing US-Africa diplomatic relations could be undermined if such policies are enacted without regional coordination.
Trump’s executive order, signed on Thursday, adds new entry restrictions for foreign nationals from 12 countries, including seven African states: Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
These visa restrictions were justified by the White House as measures to prevent terrorism and protect US national interests.
This is not the first time Trump has implemented broad travel bans. A similar move in his first term affected several Muslim-majority nations and was widely criticized by civil rights groups and foreign governments alike.
Limited retaliation expected, experts say
Despite the African Union’s sharp critique, no African governments have publicly indicated plans to retaliate against US commercial interests or personnel. According to Bilal Bassiouni, head of risk forecasting at advisory firm Pangea-Risk, past travel bans suggest a preference for diplomacy over confrontation.
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“Precedents from prior travel bans suggest a preference in these jurisdictions for bilateral diplomatic engagement rather than reciprocal restrictions,” Bassiouni said.
