N’Djamena, Chad (AP) – President Mahamato Idris Debbie of Chad announced on Thursday that his nation will halt the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens in reaction to the Trump administration’s ban on Chadian visitors to the United States.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday reinstated a distinctive policy from his initial term. Visas banned in 12 countries He accused Chad of insufficient screening and reviews, stating that they would not restore entry for their own citizens who have traditionally resided in the U.S.
The updated ban affects Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Additionally, there are strengthened restrictions on visitors from seven other nations under the new travel policy, set to take effect at 12:01 AM on Monday.
In a Facebook update, Chad’s president stated he has directed the government to suspend visas for U.S. citizens “based on the principles of reciprocity.”
“Chad may not possess planes or billions to offer, but it has dignity and pride,” Debbie remarked, referring to a $400 million luxury airplane gifted to his regime by the ruling family of Qatar.
The Republic of Congo deems the ban as a misjudgment
The new travel policy has elicited mixed responses across Africa. Seven of the twelve countries subject to Trump’s full visa ban are exempt from restrictions.
In the Republic of the Congo, government spokesperson Thierry Moungala expressed his belief that their country is mistakenly linked to the “misunderstandings” regarding armed attacks in the U.S., where the perpetrators were wrongly perceived to be from the Republic of Congo.
“Clearly, Congo is not a terrorist nation, nor is it recognized for harboring terrorism. This is a misconception, and I anticipate that our government’s diplomatic services will reach out to U.S. authorities in the coming hours,” he stated in the capital, Brazzaville.
In Sierra Leone, amidst a backdrop of increasing travel restrictions, Information Minister Cherner Bar indicated that the country is engaged in discussions to address the concerns prompting the ban.
“We will collaborate with U.S. authorities to ensure progress,” he added.
Source: apnews.com