A training session that was to take place in the United States for the Senegalese women's basketball team has been abruptly cancelled after several team members were denied visas. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made this announcement, asserting that the athletes would now rehearse in Dakar, Senegal's capital, citing the need for a "sovereign and conducive setting" for preparation.
The decision comes as the United States considers additional travel restrictions for 25 African countries, including Senegal. Earlier in the month, the US imposed bans on citizens from 12 countries, seven of which are located in Africa, while also enacting partial restrictions on nationals from several others.
The reasons behind the visa rejections remain unclear, as the US Embassy has yet to issue an official statement addressing the situation. Prime Minister Sonko confirmed the cancellation of the 10-day training intended to prepare for the upcoming 2025 Women's AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast, indicating that both players and officials were set to join their coach already in the US when their visa applications failed to gain approval.
This episode has raised questions, particularly with a leaked diplomatic cable suggesting targeted countries were given 60 days to resolve specific concerns, including issues related to overstaying visas and links to terrorism or anti-American sentiments.
In response, Senegal's foreign ministry reiterated the importance of compliance with US visa regulations. While not directly acknowledging Senegal's potential inclusion in the new travel restrictions, the government emphasized its diplomatic efforts with the US.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Nigeria, Yussuf Tuggar, expressed worries that the expansion of travel bans might hamper potential energy and mineral deals that West African nations could facilitate with the US. As the Trump administration defends these travel limitations under national security grounds, the implications for African countries remain significant.
