The government of Chad has announced the suspension of all visas to U.S. citizens, citing “reciprocity” in response to the latest U.S. travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump, which targets 12 nations — seven of them from Africa.
In a strongly worded Facebook post on Thursday, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno declared:
“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride.”
The president’s remarks followed the announcement that Chad was among a dozen nations whose citizens will be banned from travelling to the United States starting Monday, 9 June 2025. Chad joins other African states affected by the order, including Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
The new executive order from President Trump revives a signature policy from his first term, citing national security risks and the inability of certain countries to verify traveller identities or effectively screen citizens.
“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the list could change based on future threats or “material improvements.”
Chad Stands Firm
Chad’s government expressed dismay at the U.S. designation, with Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul calling the justification “baseless” and “a total disregard for Chad’s anti-terror efforts.” The nation is a key regional counterterrorism partner and hosts French and multinational troops fighting Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel.
Chad’s response marks one of the strongest diplomatic reactions to the U.S. ban. In addition to suspending U.S. visas, President Déby made reference to Qatar’s $400 million private jet gift to the Trump administration, contrasting Chad’s modest means with its “dignity.”
African Reactions: Concern and Cooperation
The African Union (AU) expressed concern about the ban’s “potential negative impact” and urged the U.S. to adopt a “consultative and evidence-based approach”, reflective of its long-standing partnerships with African states.
Other countries hit by the ban took varied stances:
Somalia pledged to work with the U.S. to address “security concerns” and maintain strong diplomatic ties.
Republic of Congo described its inclusion as a “mistake,” with government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla citing “a misunderstanding” over a past incident in the U.S.
Sierra Leone, listed under partial restrictions, said it would cooperate with the U.S. to “address the concerns that prompted the ban.”
The Trump administration claims the affected countries either pose “terrorist threats,” lack proper passport verification systems, or have high visa overstay rates — with figures as high as 70% for Equatorial Guinea nationals.
Countries such as Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face partial restrictions, such as bans on specific visa types or temporary entries.
Eritrean Voices: “Left in Limbo”
The move has deeply unsettled diaspora communities, particularly from Eritrea, where young people often flee compulsory military service and political repression.
“As Eritreans, we’ve already suffered under our regime and now we’re suffering under Trump’s policy,” one man told BBC Tigrinya.
Another woman expressed heartbreak over being unable to reunite with her husband in the U.S., saying: “We’ve done everything legally. Now we are left in limbo.”
Eritrea is governed by President Isaias Afwerki, in power since 1993, with no independent media, no elections, and indefinite military conscription.
Legal and Political Fallout Expected
While the White House has framed the ban as “common-sense restrictions,” critics have already labelled it discriminatory and legally questionable.
The measure echoes Trump’s original 2017 “Muslim ban,” which was eventually revised and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 after adding non-Muslim countries to deflect accusations of religious bias.
President Joe Biden repealed the earlier ban upon taking office in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.” Trump’s reinstatement of the policy fulfils a 2024 campaign promise and signals his commitment to hardline immigration measures during his second term.
The new order includes exemptions for dual nationals and athletes participating in major global events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It will be reviewed every six months, with the potential for more countries to be added or removed.
Chad’s Message: Sovereignty and Pride
Chad’s decision to respond in kind underlines the principle of sovereign reciprocity in international relations. By rejecting what it views as an undignified designation, Chad is affirming a narrative of African agency and self-respect — a sentiment echoed across the continent.
“We may not be wealthy, but we are not voiceless,” President Déby asserted.
As African nations weigh their diplomatic options and engage the U.S. in dialogue, the Unity of the continent’s voice will be tested — not just in terms of policy, but in how it redefines its relationships with global powers.
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