African Nations banning Americans

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2025, 9 p.m. — Mali and Burkina Faso have joined the growing list of African countries banning US citizens from entering their borders, officials announced yesterday.

The two countries issued the "tit-for-tat" bans on visas for US citizens with immediate effect, sparking fears of a diplomatic fallout between African nations and the US.

The move comes amid a growing row over visa restrictions imposed by the US on several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.

A State Department spokesperson said the US was "reviewing" the ban, but refused to comment further.

The latest restrictions are a blow to US tourism and business interests in the region, with thousands of Americans traveling to Africa each year for work and leisure.

The incident has also raised concerns about the impact on US diplomatic relations with African nations, which have long been a key partner for the US in international affairs.

The ban has sparked outrage on social media, with many Americans expressing frustration and disappointment at the move.

"This is a huge overreaction by Mali and Burkina Faso," said one Twitter user. "What's next, a trade war?"

The US has been at odds with several African countries over visa restrictions in recent months, with many nations complaining that the requirements were unfair and overly restrictive. 

Rob Redding is the author of the forthcoming book Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung out on Jan. 5, 2026. He is the bestselling author of 17 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.