Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) has issued a strong appeal to the United States to reconsider its travel restrictions targeting African nationals, warning that the policy risks damaging diplomatic and security partnerships with key nations, including Somalia.
In a statement released this week, the AU emphasized that while it recognizes the importance of national security, the restrictions “threaten to undermine the vital partnership, security, and trust between Africa and the US.”
“These restrictions risk unjustly stigmatizing African citizens and hindering valuable diplomatic and economic collaborations,” the AU said.
Somalia, a key US partner in counterterrorism efforts and development initiatives in the Horn of Africa, stands to be affected by such policies. The AU stressed that collective efforts to ensure regional stability and fight extremism could be jeopardized.
The organization urged Washington to adopt a fair, evidence-based approach that prioritizes human dignity, mutual respect, and the preservation of shared strategic interests.
The AU’s call comes amid growing concern among African governments and diaspora communities about the long-term impact of increasingly restrictive visa and travel policies introduced by the US in recent years.