The Republic of Chad has officially suspended visa issuance to American citizens, following the U.S. government’s decision to ban Chad and several other African nations from entering the country.
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Chad’s President, Mahamat Idriss Déby, announced the retaliatory measure on Thursday, just one day after former U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning citizens of 12 countries—seven of which are African—from obtaining U.S. visas.
Countries affected in Africa include Chad, Libya, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. Trump defended the move as a national security measure.
“It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks... or otherwise exploit immigration laws for malevolent purposes,” Trump stated.
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In a strongly worded Facebook post, President Déby condemned the U.S. action and declared a reciprocal policy:
“I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens,” he wrote.
“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give—but Chad has its dignity and pride.”
The diplomatic row is already drawing concern from continental institutions. The African Union Commission issued a statement warning that the U.S. travel restrictions could damage long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Africa and the U.S.
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“The 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.
Observers say the move could trigger a chain reaction of retaliatory visa bans across Africa, as nations push back against what many see as unjust and discriminatory immigration policies.
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