Days after Donald Trump announced expanded U.S. travel restrictions, Mali and Burkina Faso responded by banning American citizens, calling the move “reciprocity.” Niger and Chad have taken similar steps, signaling a broader shift in the Sahel’s relationship with Washington.
These actions go beyond symbolism, reflecting growing resentment and mistrust. While the U.S. frames the bans as security measures, regional leaders see them as discriminatory—leaving families separated, aid disrupted, and tensions deepening between longtime partners.
