two west african countries Amid heightened tensions with the United States and Europe, both countries have simultaneously issued bans on U.S. citizens in tit-for-tat diplomatic moves. Russia seeks to increase its economic and geopolitical influence in the region.

On July 27, 2024, dozens of Wagner troops were ambushed and massacred by Tuareg rebels in Mali. (East to West)

The move by Mali and Burkina Faso comes in response to the Trump administration’s Dec. 16 expansion of travel restrictions to more than 20 countries. The policy has particularly affected the African continent, with travel restrictions also imposed on Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Niger, the Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

‘Leave now’: State Department warns Americans as al-Qaeda threatens to take over African country

The Trump administration cited ongoing armed attacks in both countries as part of its rationale for the decision:

“According to the Department of State, terrorist groups continue to plan and carry out terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. According to the Fiscal Year 2024 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry and Exit Overstay Report (“Overstay Report”), Burkina Faso’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate is 9.16% for students (F), occupational (M), and exchange visitors (J) The visa overstay rate is 22.95%. Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept repatriable nationals.”

Regarding its decision will Mali The list reads:

“According to the State Department, armed conflicts between the Malian government and armed groups are common across the country. Terrorist groups operate freely in some areas of Mali.”

Burkina Faso and Mali are both currently ruled by military juntas that came to power amid escalating violence and instability, as both countries have come under attack from Islamist terror groups.

On March 1, 2023, a mural appeared in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso’s army attacked two villages accused of collaborating with militants, killing 223 civilians, including infants and many children, Human Rights Watch said in a report published on Thursday, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo, File)

Anti-French sentiment has grown in both countries as ties with Russia deepen, and Russia has pledged aid to fight Islamist insurgents fighting the central government for control of territory.

Military-led Mali suspends all political activities until further notice

“In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and international community that the Government of the Republic of Mali will immediately impose the same conditions and requirements for U.S. nationals as for Malian citizens,” Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Malian soldiers inspect a vehicle in the garrison town of Marikati on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Malian soldiers have taken up arms and begun detaining senior military officers in an apparent mutiny, raising fears of a potential coup after months of anti-government demonstrations calling for the president’s resignation. (AP Photo/Mohammed Salah)

The government of Burkina Faso also issued a ban on U.S. travelers for similar reasons.

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The two countries, as well as neighboring Niger and Nigeria, have seen a sharp rise in violence in recent years as chronically underfunded governments struggle to maintain control of rural, sparsely populated desert areas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.