In a significant diplomatic move, two West African countries have simultaneously imposed a ban on American citizens. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between these nations and the United States, as well as with Europe. Meanwhile, Russia is actively seeking to bolster its economic and geopolitical presence in the region.

In a related incident, a large number of Wagner mercenaries were killed in Mali during an ambush by Tuareg rebels on July 27, 2024, highlighting the volatile situation in the area.

The governments of Mali and Burkina Faso have enacted these bans as a direct response to the expansion of travel restrictions by the Trump administration on December 16. The U.S. policy extended travel limitations to over 20 countries, with several African nations, including Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, being affected.

The Trump administration justified these restrictions by pointing to ongoing security concerns. According to the U.S. Department of State, terrorist groups continue to plan and execute attacks in Burkina Faso. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Year 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report indicated a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and a student, vocational, and exchange visitor visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent for Burkina Faso. Furthermore, the country has historically been reluctant to accept the return of its nationals who are subject to removal from the United States.

“According to the Department of State, terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. According to the Fiscal Year 2024, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“Overstay Report”), Burkina Faso had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent.  Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.”

Regarding its decision to include Mali on the list, it stated:

“According to the Department of State, armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout the country.  Terrorist organizations operate freely in certain areas of Mali.”

Burkina Faso and Mali are both currently ruled by military juntas that came to power amidst rising violence and instability, as both nations came under attack from Islamist terrorist groups.

A mural is seen, March 1, 2023, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Military forces in Burkina Faso killed 223 civilians, including babies and many children, in attacks on two villages accused of cooperating with militants, Human Rights Watch said in a report published Thursday, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo, File)

Both nations have also seen a rise in anti-French sentiment, in conjunction with deepening relationships with Russia, which has pledged to offer assistance in fighting back the Islamist rebels battling the central governments for territorial control.

“In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and international community that, with immediate effect, the Government of the Republic of Mali will apply the same conditions and requirements to US nationals as those imposed on Malian citizens,” the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Malian soldiers check a vehicle in the garrison town of Kati, Mali, Tuesday Aug. 18, 2020. Malian soldiers took up arms and began detaining senior military officers in an apparent mutiny, raising fears of a potential coup after several months of anti-government demonstrations calling for the president’s resignation. (AP Photo/Mohamed Salaha)

Burkina Faso’s government cited a similar rationale for issuing its ban on American travelers.

Both nations, as well as neighboring Niger and Nigeria, have seen skyrocketing violence in recent years, as chronically underfunded governments struggle to retain control of rural, sparsely-populated desert regions.