Trump administration eyes sweeping Africa travel ban expansion

The Trump administration is considering a dramatic expansion of its travel ban,potentially targeting 36 additional countries — 25 of them in Africa — with full or partial visa restrictions,according to a leaked State Department cable.

Signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio,the memo cites a 60-day deadline for affected nations to meet U.S. security benchmarks or face sanctions. The move follows a 4 June presidential proclamation that already banned travel from 13 countries,sparking widespread backlash. Key African partners including Egypt,Ethiopia,Nigeria,and Ghana are among those at risk. Reasons cited include unreliable identity documents,passport fraud,visa overstays,and alleged anti-American or antisemitic activity.

Critics argue the move disproportionately targets African and Caribbean nations,reviving a controversial policy initially introduced during Trump’s first term and later reversed by President Biden. Civil rights groups have called it discriminatory and fear it could further strain U.S.-Africa relations. The African Union has yet to issue a formal response,but analysts predict a mixed reaction — ranging from symbolic protests by Sahel states to quiet diplomacy from larger economies eager to preserve U.S. ties.

Cameron Hudson,a former Bush administration Africa official,foresees a fractured response as more likely than coordinated AU action. “I could imagine certain powerful African states,with large American diasporas like Ethiopia and Nigeria,working bilaterally and lobbying in Washington to avoid being added to the list. This would likely undermine any collective action by the (African Union).” Countries have until Wednesday to submit action plans.