N’Djamena, Chad — June 6, 2025 | Africa Live News – Tensions between Chad and the United States have sharply escalated following President Donald Trump’s decision to revive a controversial travel ban targeting several African and Middle Eastern countries. In a bold response, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby has announced the suspension of all visa issuances to U.S. nationals, framing it as a matter of national sovereignty and dignity.
“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride,” President Déby declared in a Facebook post Thursday, making reference to a $400 million luxury jet gifted by Qatar to his administration.
The announcement comes barely 24 hours after President Trump unveiled an executive order reinstating strict travel restrictions on 12 countries — many of which are in Africa — due to what he described as “deficient screening procedures and non-compliance with deportation protocols.”
Trump’s Policy Reignites Diplomatic Tensions
The latest directive, which takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., imposes a full or partial travel ban on nationals from Chad, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It also introduces enhanced restrictions on travelers from several other nations including Sierra Leone, prompting widespread dismay across the African continent.
During a media briefing at the White House, Trump defended the move, asserting that “protecting American citizens from potential security threats must come before political correctness.”
But President Déby pushed back forcefully, stating that Chad has always maintained responsible international cooperation and that the decision to ban its citizens was unjustified and disrespectful.
“Reciprocity is a fundamental principle in diplomacy. If you block our citizens, we will do the same to yours,” Déby said.
Accusations, Rebuttals, and Regional Outcry
Although the Trump administration did not provide a country-specific breakdown of the new criteria, the general justification cited “inadequate identity-management systems, failure to share terrorism-related data, and a refusal to accept the return of deported nationals.”
In Brazzaville, the government of the Republic of Congo reacted with confusion and disappointment, suggesting that their inclusion on the list stemmed from misinformation.
“Obviously, Congo is not a terrorist country, is not home to any terrorist, is not known to have a terrorist vocation,” said government spokesperson Thierry Moungalla.
“We believe there’s a misunderstanding related to an armed incident in the U.S. where the suspects were wrongly believed to be Congolese. We hope diplomatic dialogue will clarify this quickly.”
Similarly, Sierra Leone, which was not placed on the outright ban list but faces increased vetting requirements, expressed its commitment to addressing U.S. security concerns diplomatically.
“We will work with U.S. authorities to ensure progress and compliance where necessary,” said Information Minister Chernor Bah during a press conference in Freetown.
Analysts Warn of Diplomatic Fallout
Foreign policy experts across West Africa warn that such decisions risk undermining bilateral relations, especially in regions where counterterrorism and migration cooperation with the U.S. is critical.
Dr. Aissatou Dagnogo, a Sahelian geopolitics analyst, said Trump’s renewed travel ban could “unravel years of strategic engagement, particularly with moderate nations like Chad.”
“This is a deeply symbolic move from Chad’s leadership. It’s not just a visa issue — it’s a statement that Africa will no longer accept one-sided decisions without consequences,” she added.
Security Cooperation at Risk
Chad has been a key military ally of the United States and France in the fight against Boko Haram and other jihadist factions operating across the Lake Chad Basin. The U.S. has supported Chad through security training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian aid.
However, since the 2021 coup in Chad and subsequent consolidation of power by Mahamat Idriss Déby, relations with Western governments have become more cautious. The Trump administration’s latest move may further alienate N’Djamena, driving it toward new geopolitical partners.
Shift Toward the East?
Observers note that Chad, like its Sahel neighbors Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has been slowly pivoting towards Russia and other non-Western allies following growing frustration with Western policies.
The recent visit of Russian military advisers to N’Djamena and ongoing talks about logistical cooperation with Moscow signal that Chad is exploring alternatives to traditional Western alliances.
“The visa standoff is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Abdoul Karim Djibo, a political columnist in Niamey. “We’re witnessing a broader realignment of African states seeking respect and equitable partnerships.”
Impact on Citizens and Travel
The implications of the tit-for-tat policy could affect thousands of Chadian nationals, including students, business travelers, and diaspora members who frequently move between Chad and the U.S.
Chadian-American entrepreneur Ahmed Zakaria, who runs an import-export business in Texas, told Africa Live News that the decision was “heartbreaking but inevitable.”
“We’re caught in the crossfire of politics. I hope both governments can find a way to talk before innocent people pay the price.”
For now, U.S. citizens seeking to enter Chad will be denied visas until further notice, according to a communiqué from Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Conclusion: A Diplomatic Rift in the Making
Chad’s visa suspension serves as a sharp reminder of Africa’s growing assertiveness in foreign affairs. As Trump doubles down on his controversial immigration agenda, nations like Chad are no longer willing to remain passive.
While diplomatic channels remain open, this episode could mark a turning point in how African states respond to perceived unilateralism from global powers — with potential ripple effects across U.S.-Africa relations for months to come.
