Overview
- Both governments announced that Americans will face the same entry conditions imposed on their citizens by the United States, taking effect immediately.
- The White House on Dec. 16 added Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and other countries to expanded travel restrictions set to begin Jan. 1, citing terrorism, armed conflict, vetting gaps, visa overstays and refusals to accept deportees.
- Niger previously said on Dec. 25 it would stop issuing visas to U.S. citizens, extending the reciprocal measures across the Sahel trio.
- Mali criticized Washington for proceeding without prior consultation and argued the stated security rationale does not reflect conditions on the ground.
- The steps deepen a broader diplomatic break as the three military-led states coordinate through the Alliance of Sahel States and cultivate closer ties with Russia after distancing from Western partners.