Addis Ababa – The African Union Commission has strongly objected to a new U.S. travel ban that will fully or partially bar citizens of 10 African countries from entering the United States beginning June 9, calling the move harmful to longstanding diplomatic and economic ties.
According to the U.S. government, the new restrictions will fully ban entry for citizens of Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, provided they are outside the United States as of June 9 and do not hold valid U.S. visas issued before that date.
Citizens from Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo face partial restrictions under the new rules, though specific limitations have yet to be detailed publicly.
In a statement released from its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the African Union Commission called for the U.S. to reconsider the decision, warning that the ban could harm diplomatic ties, educational exchanges, commercial engagement, and broader people-to-people connections.
“The African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa,” the statement read.
The Commission emphasized the importance of transparent communication and urged the U.S. to engage in dialogue with the affected countries.
It expressed concern that the move could undermine mutual interests in peace, prosperity and global cooperation.
“The Commission stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the United States,” it concluded.
The U.S. has cited national security concerns as the primary justification for the travel ban, but it has not explained why specific African countries were included.
