In a bold diplomatic move, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby has announced the suspension of visa issuance to citizens of the United States, citing reciprocity in response to a U.S. travel ban that primarily targets African and other developing nations.
The announcement, made on Thursday via Facebook, is a direct response to travel restrictions originally introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump, which placed Chad and several other countries on a restricted travel list.
“I have instructed the government to act based on the principle of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens,” President Déby declared. “Chad does not have planes to offer or billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride.”
Backdrop: Travel Ban Impacting Multiple African Nations
The U.S. travel ban, which first drew widespread international criticism when implemented in 2020, targets 12 countries, seven of which are in Africa. These include:
-
Chad
-
Nigeria
-
Sudan
-
Somalia
-
Libya
-
Eritrea
-
Equatorial Guinea
The restrictions were justified by the Trump administration as necessary for national security and immigration control, but they have since been described by critics as discriminatory and counterproductive to global cooperation.
Other nations affected by the broader travel and visa restrictions include Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Yemen, and Haiti. Additionally, citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela also face varying levels of visa limitations under U.S. immigration policies.
AU Reacts, Urges Respectful Engagement
The African Union (AU) has voiced deep concern over the enduring effects of the U.S. travel ban, warning of long-term damage to diplomatic and economic relations between Africa and the United States.
In an official statement, the AU urged Washington to reconsider its approach, advocating for greater consultation and mutual respect:
“We call on the U.S. government to adopt a more consultative and inclusive strategy when it comes to international mobility and migration policies,” the AU stated. “Diplomatic engagement and mutual respect must remain at the heart of foreign relations.”
Chad Asserts Sovereignty Amid Global Tensions
President Déby’s decision to enforce reciprocal travel restrictions signals a growing determination among African leaders to stand firm against what they perceive as unilateral and unfair international policies.
Observers view the move as both symbolic and political, aimed at asserting Chad’s national dignity and resisting what Déby referred to as “global double standards” in migration and diplomatic engagements.
Though there has been no formal response from the U.S. State Department as of press time, the development marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions between Chad and the United States.
Post a Comment