AU Raises Alarm Over New US Travel Ban On African Nations

Thursday June 5, 2025|

The African Union, AU, has expressed deep concern over the implications of a newly announced United States, US, travel ban targeting several African countries, warning that the policy could strain decades of diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties.

In a statement issued Thursday, the AU Commission said the restrictions—set to take effect on June 9, 2025—could severely damage people-to-people connections, educational exchange programmes, and commercial partnerships between the United States and Africa.

“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,” the statement read.

First News earlier reported that U.S. President Donald Trump, in a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter), announced the signing of a proclamation barring citizens from 12 countries—many of them African—from entering the United States. The decision was attributed to national security concerns.

The directive significantly restricts visa access for nationals from the affected countries, drawing criticism from civil society and international observers who argue the move is counterproductive and risks alienating key African partners.

The African Union has stated its intention to seek further dialogue with U.S. officials to better understand the motivation behind the decision and to advocate for what it called “a more balanced and inclusive approach.”

This is not the first time U.S. travel policies have sparked outrage on the continent. A similar ban introduced in previous years drew widespread condemnation and led to strained relations between Washington and several African capitals.

Observers say the latest measure comes at a time when global cooperation, especially between the U.S. and Africa, is crucial for addressing shared challenges, including public health, climate change, security, and economic development.