Germaine Kwesi - Reporter |
The African nation of Chad has announced the suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens, responding to President Donald Trump’s recent travel ban targeting 12 foreign nations, including Chad. The decision, revealed by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, underscores Chad’s stance on national dignity and reciprocity, rejecting what it perceives as an unjust policy.
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President Trump’s latest travel ban, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, prohibits entry into the U.S. for nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face partial restrictions.
The White House justified the ban by citing national security concerns, visa overstay rates, and alleged deficiencies in screening and vetting processes. However, critics argue that the policy disproportionately targets African nations, with seven of the 12 banned countries located on the continent.
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President Déby Itno, in a statement posted on Facebook, declared that Chad would not remain passive in the face of such restrictions. “Chad has neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride,” he stated, instructing his government to suspend visa issuance to U.S. citizens as an act of reciprocity.
Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, expressed surprise and disappointment at the U.S. decision, arguing that Chad has been a key ally in counterterrorism efforts and that the ban disregards its contributions to regional security.
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The African Union has condemned the U.S. travel ban, urging Washington to engage in constructive dialogue with affected nations. The AU warned that such measures could strain diplomatic relations and undermine cooperation on security and economic matters.
Chad’s swift retaliation may inspire similar actions from other affected nations, particularly those in Africa. Analysts suggest that this visa suspension could signal a broader pushback against Western immigration policies that disproportionately target developing nations.
As tensions rise, the impact on U.S.-Chad relations remains uncertain. While the practical effects of Chad’s visa suspension on American travelers may be limited, the symbolic weight of the decision is significant. It highlights Chad’s assertion of sovereignty and its demand for mutual respect in international diplomacy.