The Senegalese Women’s National Basketball Team had planned to hold a training camp in the United States.
However, the plan was cancelled after the team members’ visa applications were rejected by the U.S. authorities.
In response to this decision, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced that the training camp would now take place in the capital city, Dakar.
Sonko described Dakar as “a sovereign and conducive setting,” in contrast to the United States.
VISA CRISIS AND EXPANDING TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
The visa denial came at a time when the United States was reportedly planning to impose travel restrictions on 25 African countries, including Senegal.
Earlier this month, the U.S. had already banned citizens from 12 countries — seven of which were African nations.
Additionally, partial travel restrictions were imposed on citizens of six more countries, including three from Africa.
REASON FOR VISA DENIAL STILL UNCLEAR
The reason for the Senegalese athletes’ visa rejections remains unclear, and U.S. officials have not made any formal statement on the matter.
Senegal, regarded as one of Africa’s strongest women’s basketball teams, saw its players unexpectedly denied entry visas — surprising many.
Previously leaked diplomatic documents had indicated that countries affected by the new travel restrictions would be given up to 60 days to address U.S. concerns.
Senegal was not among the publicly listed countries, making the timing of the visa denial even more striking.
ARE AFRICA–U.S. RELATIONS DETERIORATING?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had justified such restrictions with national security concerns and high visa overstay rates from certain countries.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar warned that these travel bans could negatively impact potential energy and rare earth mineral agreements between West African countries and the U.S.