The African Union (AU) has strongly criticized the recently enlarged trip prohibition of the Trump administration, describing it as discriminatory and asking the United States to adopt a more respectful and advisory approach.
The executive order, signed earlier this week by President Donald Trump, blocks almost all trips to the United States for nationals from 12 countries.
Among them there are seven African nations: Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan and Somalia.
In addition, a partial prohibition has been imposed on travelers from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, restricting access to specific visa categories, especially those of temporary employment.
Framed as part of a broader national security policy, expanded restrictions have generated global criticism for their perceived lack of equity, transparency and disproportionate impact on African and development nations.
AU responded with a statement that expresses its concern that the new policy could damage Africa-EE relations. UU.
The Commission said: “The Commission is still concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on the ties of people to people, educational exchange, commercial commitment and broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nourished for decades.
Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity and global cooperation. “
While recognizing that sovereign states have the right to protect their borders, the UA emphasized the need for decisions to be balanced and based on evidence.
He added: “The African Union Commission respectfully requires the US administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and participates in a constructive dialogue with interested countries.”
The prohibition of expanded travel will enter into force on Monday at 12:01 AM EDT (04:01 GMT), with a short waiting time to allow preparation, unlike the abrupt implementation of the 2017 prohibition that caused interruptions at the airport in the United States
An official completion date for current restrictions has not been granted, although the order requires periodic reviews to assess whether the affected countries have done what President Trump described as “material improvements.”
He also declared that additional nations could be added in the future if new threats arise worldwide.
The firm position of the UA joins a choir of international voices that urge the United States to reconsider movement in favor of diplomatic participation and equitable immigration policy.
(Business Insider)
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