The African Union's Commission on Thursday, June 5, expressed concern over the potential negative impact of the new travel ban announced by the United States. The development follows an announcement on Wednesday, indicating that the US government is set to prohibit travel to its territory from a dozen countries, including seven in Africa, over security concerns. In a statement, the AU Commission said it was concerned about the “potential negative impact” of the measures. The travel ban applies to citizens from Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. An additional three countries, including Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo, will face partial restrictions, according to the US government. “The African Union Commission respectfully calls upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned,” the AU said in a statement on Thursday. According to the statement, the AUC warned that such a ban could have far-reaching implications, potentially damaging decades of nurtured relations between Africa and the US. “The African Union Commission has taken note of the recent proclamation by the Government of the United States imposing new travel restrictions affecting nationals from several countries, including some on the African continent,” the statement reads in part. While recognising the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens, the African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa,” the statement added.
