The United States has announced sweeping new travel restrictions affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan, under a directive signed by President Donald Trump that will take effect on June 9.
The proclamation, a revival and expansion of earlier travel bans introduced during Trump’s first term, cites “national security risks” and “inadequate identity verification systems” as reasons for the renewed measures. The latest order enforces full entry bans for nations including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Yemen, and the three African states of Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan.
In addition to the outright bans, a second tier of countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, will face partial restrictions such as limits on certain visa categories.
In a video message posted to social media, Trump said the action was taken to “prevent entry of individuals who may pose a threat to American safety”, and hinted that the list could be extended.
Somalia Calls for Dialogue
Reacting to the development, Somalia’s government expressed its disappointment while reaffirming a willingness to engage in constructive diplomacy.
“Somalia values its partnership with the United States and is open to dialogue aimed at resolving the concerns raised,” said Ambassador Dahir Hassan Abdi in a statement issued from Washington.
The proclamation does not affect individuals who already hold valid U.S. visas issued before June 9, but all future applications will be subject to the new restrictions.
Trump’s statement also included pointed criticism of the countries listed, alleging they host terrorist networks and lack reliable vetting systems — a claim that has sparked concern among rights organizations and members of the affected diaspora communities.
Diplomatic and Regional Implications
The renewed travel ban could strain U.S. relations with East African and Horn of Africa nations, particularly at a time when several are already contending with political instability, conflict, and humanitarian crises.
Civil society leaders in both Eritrea and Somalia have called on the U.S. to reassess the broad approach, noting that blanket bans risk penalizing ordinary citizens rather than addressing security gaps through collaboration and reform.
As the global mobility debate once again takes center stage, the spotlight now turns to whether African Union institutions and regional blocs will seek a collective response—or leave countries to negotiate individually with Washington.