Audio By Carbonatix
Mali and Burkina Faso say they will bar US citizens from entering their countries in response to a similar move by the Trump administration.
The two West African states were recently placed under full entry restrictions under US President Donald Trump's expanded travel ban.
In separate statements, they said they would apply the same measures to US nationals.
Burkina Faso's foreign affairs minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré said his government was acting on the "principle of reciprocity", while Mali's foreign ministry called for "mutual respect and sovereign equality".
The latter said it regretted the US's move, adding that "such an important decision was made without any prior consultation".
Mali and Burkina Faso's decision comes days after Niger's state news agency reported that Niger had imposed a similar travel ban on US citizens, though no official statement has been issued by its foreign ministry to confirm this.
The three countries are ruled by military juntas that seized power in coups.
They have formed their own regional bloc and have pivoted towards Russia after relations with other West African states and Western powers became strained.
Earlier this month, the White House said that full-entry restrictions would be imposed on people from the three countries, as well as South Sudan, Syria and Palestinian Authority passport holders.
The decision would come into effect on 1 January, and was intended to "protect the security" of the US, it said.
The administration also moved Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously subject to partial restrictions, to the full ban list, and put partial restrictions on 15 other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
The White House said the restrictions would remain in place until affected countries show "credible improvements" in identity management, information-sharing and cooperation with US immigration authorities.
A number of exceptions apply and the ban will not affect lawful permanent residents, many existing visa holders, diplomats, or athletes travelling for major sporting events.
Officials said case-by-case waivers would also be available where travel is deemed to be in the national interest.
Latest Stories
-
Power restoration fault suspected in Kumasi Central Market fire
5 hours -
The 7-foot giant of Ngleshie Amanfro: Seven-foot Ghanaian Ephraim Saawa dreams of joining the national basketball team
5 hours -
Government promises support for Kumasi Central Market fire victims
5 hours -
Vibes The Movie: Big Ghun’s Ghanaian film earns five nominations at 2026 REFFA
6 hours -
MamaCare CEO warns unresolved conflicts among health workers could undermine maternal and neonatal care
6 hours -
Health professionals urged to translate medical knowledge into practice to save mothers
6 hours -
Retired judge Justice Francis Korbieh charges 1,568 new lawyers to uphold integrity
8 hours -
Conflicts among care providers linked to maternal, neonatal deaths – Expert
8 hours -
GIS marks 10th TIME conference, champions improved teaching practices
8 hours -
BRICS Or Balance? What Ghana’s bid really means
9 hours -
GPRTU wants full TRAFFITECH-GH implementation to start in 2027
9 hours -
How 10-mile walks for basic education birthed a 50-year legal career for Justice Korbieh
9 hours -
Mahama announces plans to import electric wheelchairs for PWDs
9 hours -
KGL U17 Colts 2026: Western beat Prempeh Elite Academy to set up final final with Greater Accra Region
9 hours -
Late Solanke strike salvages 10-man Spurs draw at Man United
9 hours