Overview
- Both governments said the new entry conditions for Americans take effect immediately in statements issued by their foreign ministries.
- The announcements respond to Washington’s decision to place Mali and Burkina Faso on an expanded list of countries facing U.S. entry limits.
- U.S. officials cited persistent attacks by armed groups, insufficient traveler information, visa overstays and refusal to accept deportees as reasons for the expanded restrictions.
- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are ruled by military juntas that have distanced themselves from Western partners and aligned in the regional Alliance of Sahel States.
- Mali has drawn closer to Russia, hosting Wagner-linked and other Kremlin-backed forces, as Sahel leaders pursue joint security initiatives.