Seven of the 12 countries slapped a Trump White House travel ban over new security threats to the United States are in Africa.
A video posted on X shows President Donald Trump explaining that the ban is to stop foreign national wishing to harm the United States from entering the country.
The travel ban which comes into effect on Monday, June 9th, affects citizens from Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.
Somalia and Sudan are two of East Africa’s most restive nations which the Trump White House says are governed by weak regimes incapable of conducting reliable screening of passport holders bond for the US.
Strife-torn Libya is also seen in a similar light.
Reacting to the ban in a statement, the Somali ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan Abdi described it as unfortunate and reminded US officials that Somalia was always looking to cultivate strong and enduring relations with Washington.
The non-African nations on the list are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran and Yemen.
Meanwhile visas issued before June 9th this year are not to be revoked and that holders of dual nationalities and athletes who will take part in the football World Cup next year and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will also not be affected.
Meanwhile Egypt has not been included on the list despite the suspect of the recent terrorist attack in Boulder Colorado being confirmed as Egyptian.
Further US travel restrictions will apply for citizens of the African nations of Burundi, Sierra Leone and Togo, meaning their entitlement to special types of visas has been revoked.
Non African nations to be affected by this specific restriction are Cuba, Laos, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
According to Trump, his administration will review the list depending on emerging or receding threats on the United states originating from abroad.
Trump said the ban and restrictions are a common sense response to threats on the Unted States and its citizens by foreign elements.
He cited the attack in Boulder, Colorado as an example of the risks America faces from immigrants whose status may not be properly vetted.
Meanwhile the African Union (AU) Commission has expressed concern over the recent proclamation by the United States ban.
The commission issued a statement on Thursday recognising the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens, but appealed to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership with Africa.
The commission said it remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades.
It said Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation.
The pan-African bloc called upon the U.S. administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.
The commission also appealed for transparent communication, and where necessary, collaborative efforts to address any underlying issues that may have informed this decision.
According to the statement, the commission stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the United States.
WN/as/APA