The African Union Commission has reacted the recent proclamation by the United States Government imposing new travel restrictions affecting nationals from several countries, including some on the African continent.
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.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a proclamation banning citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States.
Nationals from these countries will be “fully” restricted from entering the U.S., according to the proclamation.
Similarly, the entry of nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will be partially restricted. The proclamation is effective on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 am EDT (5:01am Nigerian time).
Trump said the move was needed to protect the country against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats. “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X.
The U.S. President said the list could be revised while new countries could be added, claiming that countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbour a “large-scale presence of terrorists”.
He alleged others failed to cooperate on visa security and had an inability to verify travellers’ identities, inadequate record- keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the U.S..
“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 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.
It said, “Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation”.
The African Union respectfully 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 appealed for transparent communication, and where necessary, collaborative efforts to address any underlying issues that may have informed this decision.
AU said it stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the United States.
Meanwhile, Trump’s directive is part of an immigration crackdown that he launched at the start of his second term, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and anywhere else that threatens the country security.
