The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern and disappointment following the expansion of a U.S. travel ban under former President Donald Trump, which affects 19 countries, including several across the African continent.
In a statement issued by the AU Commission, the continental body said it had “taken note” of the new policy, describing it as troubling and counterproductive, particularly in light of longstanding partnerships between African nations and the United States.
The expanded ban imposes full travel restrictions on citizens from 12 countries, among them Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, and Sudan—four African nations that have previously struggled with conflict, governance challenges, and post-crisis rebuilding. In addition to outright bans, the policy imposes heightened visa restrictions and intensified screening procedures on citizens of countries such as Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
While the U.S. government cited weak security vetting systems, high visa overstay rates, and limited cooperation on deportations as justification, the AU said the measures risk being overly broad, discriminatory, and harmful to diplomatic and economic relations.
“The African Union acknowledges the sovereign right of any country to secure its borders and ensure the safety of its citizens. However, such measures must be applied with fairness, transparency, and respect for human dignity,” the Commission said.
The move is seen by many African leaders and analysts as a setback to U.S.-Africa relations, which had seen growing cooperation on counterterrorism, trade, health, and educational exchange. The ban could also disrupt family unification, education opportunities, and economic investment, particularly for African countries that rely heavily on diaspora remittances and bilateral ties with Washington.
The expanded restrictions, part of President Trump’s broader immigration agenda during his tenure, were met with criticism not only from African institutions but also from civil society groups in the United States. Many advocates described the policy as a continuation of the controversial “Muslim Ban” and reflective of xenophobic undertones in U.S. immigration enforcement.
The AU has called on the U.S. government to reconsider the expanded ban, urging a dialogue-driven, case-by-case approach that respects security concerns while not penalizing entire populations.
“This sweeping travel restriction threatens to strain mutual trust, disrupt people-to-people engagement, and marginalize citizens of countries that have long been partners of the United States,” the AU added.
Observers say the ban underscores the importance of Africa speaking with one voice in global diplomatic affairs, especially when national policies of superpowers have far-reaching implications on mobility, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
As global attention shifts toward building more inclusive and equitable international relationships, the African Union has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement while advocating for fair treatment of African nationals across the world.
