ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The African Union Commission has voiced concern over a new travel ban by the United States targeting several African nations, urging Washington to pursue a more consultative and balanced approach.
In a statement released Thursday, the AU acknowledged the U.S.’s sovereign right to secure its borders but warned that the sweeping restrictions—set to take effect on June 9—risk undermining decades of diplomatic, educational, and commercial engagement between Africa and the U.S.
“The Commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades,” read the statement.
The latest travel restrictions, announced by the U.S. administration, cite national security concerns, including alleged visa overstays and weak vetting systems in the targeted countries.
Affected African nations include Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
While the AU stopped short of directly condemning the move, it called for dialogue and transparency in resolving any underlying security or diplomatic issues.
“The Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned,” it said.
The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with the U.S. and expressed hope that the two partners could find common ground without jeopardising long-standing relations.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the continent, with some analysts viewing it as a step backward in U.S.-Africa relations, especially as many countries seek to strengthen ties amid growing global competition for influence in Africa.
The travel ban echoes previous policies enacted during President Donald Trump’s first term, many of which were criticised as discriminatory.
The AU did not comment on the political undertones of the decision but emphasised the importance of “evidence-based” policy and mutual respect.
