Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 — The African Union Commission has expressed concern over the recent executive proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump, which imposes new travel restrictions on citizens from several countries, including Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan.
In a statement released this week, the Commission acknowledged the sovereign right of all nations to regulate entry and safeguard national security but urged Washington to exercise that right “in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.”
“Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation,” the Commission said, cautioning that the travel ban could undermine decades of progress in diplomatic, educational, and economic ties.
The African Union called for a “consultative and transparent” approach and encouraged the U.S. administration to engage in dialogue with the affected countries to address any security or procedural concerns that may have led to the restrictions.
New Ban Echoes Controversial Trump-Era Policy
The June 9 travel ban marks a reinstatement—and expansion—of restrictions first introduced during Donald Trump’s initial term in office. The earlier version of the policy, colloquially known as the “Muslim Ban,” was issued in 2017 and targeted several Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia, Sudan, and Libya. That ban was widely criticized for being discriminatory and for damaging America’s international image.
After being rescinded under President Joe Biden in 2021, the policy has now returned in a broader form. The latest proclamation lists 12 countries under full bans—including six in Africa—and places partial restrictions on several others. The Trump administration claims the move is based on national security concerns, including “inadequate identity verification systems” and a “risk of terrorist infiltration.”
African Leaders Call for Dialogue
The African Union warned that blanket restrictions could hurt people-to-people connections, student mobility, investment flows, and Africa-U.S. cooperation on counterterrorism and global development.
While some affected nations, such as Somalia, have already issued diplomatic responses expressing readiness for engagement, the AU emphasized that collective dialogue would be more effective in resolving security issues than unilateral restrictions.
“The Commission stands ready to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the United States,” the statement concluded.
As the global geopolitical landscape evolves, observers note that maintaining strong Africa-U.S. relations will require policies grounded not just in security assessments, but also in mutual respect and multilateral diplomacy.