Chad has announced that it will suspend visa issuance to American citizens in response to the United States’ travel ban, which includes Chad among 12 countries whose nationals are prohibited from entering the US.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno stated that the decision is a matter of “pride and dignity” for Chad, emphasizing that while the country may not have planes or billions of dollars to offer, it will not compromise its dignity.
The US travel ban, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, targets nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, citing national security concerns. Additionally, partial restrictions will be imposed on citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Chad’s response reflects growing tensions between the country and the US, with Déby’s government expressing surprise and disappointment over the inclusion of Chad in the travel ban.
The African Union has also expressed concern over the potential negative impact of the measures and called for a more consultative approach with the countries concerned.
