Visa ban comes from that country too

The administrations of Mali and Burkina Faso have announced that they will close their doors to U.S. citizens in response to the U.S. decision to stop issuing visas to their own citizens. This move follows Niger, which took a similar step a short time ago. In announcements made by the foreign ministries of both countries, it was emphasized that the decisions were taken in accordance with the "principle of reciprocity."

U.S. President Donald Trump's expansion of the travel ban on December 16 to include 20 countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has further raised political tensions in West Africa. In response to this move by the U.S., Mali and Burkina Faso announced that they have suspended travel for Americans to their countries until further notice.

The statements pointed out that the countries in question are governed by military administrations and that these countries have left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form a new regional bloc.

In a written statement issued by the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was specifically stated that this decision was taken within the scope of the "principle of reciprocity." The statement included the following: "The Government of the Republic of Mali informs the national and international public that it will apply the same terms and conditions to U.S. citizens as those applied to Malian citizens, effective immediately."

In the statement signed by Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, it was noted that the visa ban imposed on U.S. citizens was in retaliation for the restrictions introduced by the U.S.

The Washington administration defends its travel ban decision by claiming that the actions of armed groups operating in the region have increased. It is known that security threats have escalated in Mali and Burkina Faso recently and that the governments are struggling to bring these groups under control.

It is recalled that military administrations have changed the balance of power in West Africa and came to power with promises of security after overthrowing civilian governments. These latest diplomatic developments indicate that tensions between the countries in the region and the U.S. may continue from here on out.

News Source: 12punto