The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over the potential adverse implications of the newly announced travel restrictions by the United States, which affect several nations, including a number from the African continent.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the African Union Commission (AUC) acknowledged the sovereign right of all countries to safeguard their borders and national security. However, the AUC urged the United States to implement such measures in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the historically strong partnership between the U.S. and Africa.
“The AUC remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people connections, educational exchanges, commercial relations, and broader diplomatic ties that have been carefully developed over decades,” the statement noted.
The AUC also called on the U.S. administration to adopt a more consultative and inclusive approach by engaging in constructive dialogue with the affected countries.
The travel restrictions, signed into effect by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, ban the entry of nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These nations were deemed to have significant deficiencies in screening and vetting procedures, posing elevated risks to U.S. national security, according to a White House statement.
In addition, partial restrictions will apply to citizens of seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The new policy is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. next Monday. Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, individuals holding existing visas, applicants under certain visa categories, and those whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests.
The proclamation mirrors a similar travel ban enacted during President Trump’s first term, which faced legal challenges and was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. That policy was later rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The African Union has urged the U.S. to prioritize diplomacy and collaborative engagement in addressing mutual security concerns, while preserving the longstanding ties that unite the American and African peoples.
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