Mali and Burkina Faso have announced a ban on U.S. citizens entering their countries. The move comes in response to a recent decision by the United States to block citizens of both nations from traveling to the U.S.
The announcements were made late Tuesday in separate statements by the foreign ministers of Mali and Burkina Faso. Both governments said the decision follows the principle of reciprocity.
On December 16, U.S. President Donald Trump expanded travel restrictions to 20 additional countries. The list included Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. All three are currently governed by military juntas and have distanced themselves from the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Mali’s foreign ministry said the country would apply the same entry rules to U.S. nationals that the U.S. applies to Malian citizens. The statement said the policy takes effect immediately.
Burkina Faso’s foreign minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, issued a similar statement confirming a ban on American travelers for the same reasons.
The White House said security concerns played a role in the U.S. decision. Mali and Burkina Faso continue to face attacks from armed groups, which have spread across large parts of both countries.
Military leaders in both nations took power after removing civilian governments, promising to restore security. The new travel bans add to growing tensions between the West African military governments and the United States.
