The African Union’s Commission has appealed to the United States of America to reconsider travel ban on African countries and adopt a consultative approach in resolving the disputes. The AUC expressed concern on over the potential negative impact of the new travel ban announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
”While recognising the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens, the African Union 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” stated part of the statement.
Trump announced a ban that is set to prohibit travel to the US from 12 countries including seven in Africa. In a video uploaded the White House the President said the actions were prompted by security risks.
In a statement, the AU Commission said it was concerned about the “potential negative impact” of the measures, saying ”the Commission 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.”
The Trump’s order specifically prohibits citizens from Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan from entering the US.
Other three countries will face partial restrictions among them; Burundi, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The African Union Commission called on the United States to ” respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.”
The Commission said it stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the United States.
Trump also sought to identify how many people from those countries were admitted during the Biden administration, to possibly retroactively suspend their visas.
