Bamako/Ouagadougou — In a bold diplomatic riposte, Mali and Burkina Faso have announced reciprocal entry bans on United States citizens, escalating tensions with Washington after President Donald Trump barred Malian and Burkinabé nationals from entering the United States.
The twin decisions, unveiled by the two Sahelian states under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), were framed as a defence of national sovereignty and collective dignity, with officials insisting the measures mirror Washington’s own restrictions and signal that the region will not accept what it views as discriminatory policies.
In coordinated statements, Bamako and Ouagadougou said the bans were “measured, lawful, and reciprocal,” stressing that relations must be grounded in mutual respect. The governments added that sovereignty remains non-negotiable and that diplomacy must be conducted on equal terms.
Analysts say the move marks a new low in Sahel–U.S. relations, underscoring a wider realignment as AES members assert independence in foreign policy and deepen cooperation among themselves. While the immediate impact on travel and business is expected to be limited, observers warn the standoff could spill into security and economic cooperation if talks do not resume.
For now, the message from the Sahel is unmistakable: what is done to Mali and Burkina Faso will be done in return—and the diplomatic temperature between the AES bloc and Washington has just risen several degrees.
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