The African Union has raised concerns over a fresh travel ban signed by United States President Donald Trump, saying the move could damage long-standing relationships between African nations and the US.
President Trump signed the new order on Wednesday, placing full travel bans on 12 countries, including seven African nations: Somalia, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, and Sudan. The list also includes Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, and Iran.
In a statement released on Thursday, the African Union said the ban would negatively affect “people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and broader diplomatic relations” between the US and the affected countries.
The AU called on the US to rethink its decision and to “adopt a consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.”
Although the ban followed an attack in Colorado where an Egyptian man reportedly used a flamethrower during a Jewish protest, Egypt was not among the countries affected by the ban.
The US government also announced a partial ban on travellers from seven other countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Under this rule, some temporary work visas will still be allowed from these nations.
The decision has sparked worry across Africa, especially among citizens who often travel to the US for study, business, or family visits.
The AU said it remains committed to working with the US on mutual goals but stressed that moves like this could harm years of cooperation and trust.
“We urge the US government to consider the broader consequences of this action and to respect the value of its partnerships across Africa,” the AU added.
President Trump has not responded directly to the AU’s statement.
