5-6-2025
US President Donald Trump resurrected his travel ban policy from his first term, signing a proclamation on Wednesday night that will prevent people from 12 countries from entering the United States.
The list includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
In addition to the ban, which takes effect at midnight next Monday, heightened restrictions will be imposed on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
“I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump said in his proclamation.
During his first term, Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the US by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.
Meanwhile the African Union has urged Mr. Trump to be balanced in its judgement of African countries.
“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.
“Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation,” said statement by AU chairman, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.