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Tag: US

Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Retaliatory Travel Restrictions on US Citizens

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Mali and Burkina Faso have responded to the US travel ban by imposing restrictions on American citizens. In statements released separately and reviewed by AFP on Wednesday, both countries’ foreign ministries said they would apply “equivalent measures” after President Donald Trump expanded the US travel ban this month to nearly 40 nations based solely on nationality. The US restrictions targeted Syrian citizens, Palestinian Authority passport holders, and nationals from several of Africa’s poorest countries, including Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The White House said the ban aimed to block foreigners who “intend to threaten” Americans. Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry confirmed it was introducing “equivalent visa measures” for US citizens. Mali announced that, “with immediate effect,” American nationals would face the same entry conditions and requirements that the US imposes on Malian citizens. Mali also expressed regret that the US implemented the decision without prior consultation. Both countries are ruled by military juntas and belong to a regional confederation that includes Niger. While Niger has not formally announced countermeasures, its news agency reported that such actions had been decided. Trump’s December 17 announcement also included partial travel restrictions on other African countries such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, as well as Canada and Mexico. Some of these nations are set to participate in next year’s football World Cup in the US.

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Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Urges US To Build Schools For Herders Instead Of Dropping Bombs

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Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the United States government to invest in schools and basic amenities for herders instead of deploying what he described as a “$2 million bomb.” Gumi argued that many herders lack education and enlightenment, saying they “need deliverance from ignorance.” His remarks came after a video circulated showing a Fulani man who had discovered the barrel of a missile allegedly fired by the US military in an open field. According to Gumi, the man appeared unaware of the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. Posting on Facebook, he wrote: “Most herdsmen need deliverance from ignorance and themselves, not bombardment. He doesn’t even understand the basic creed of Islam and the serious danger of unexploded bombs. That’s why I built a school for them. Instead of dropping a $2m bomb that can build schools and amenities for them.” The comments followed reports that the US military, acting on orders from President Donald Trump, carried out airstrikes in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. The strikes targeted ISIS and Lakurawa terrorist groups but reportedly missed their intended targets. The Nigerian government confirmed the operation, stating it was a coordinated mission approved by President Bola Tinubu.

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Nigeria Gave Intelligence, Greenlight For US Terror Airstrike — Foreign Affairs Minister

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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has disclosed that Nigeria supplied the intelligence that led to the recent United States airstrike on terrorist targets in the country and also gave formal clearance before the operation was carried out. Tuggar made the revelation on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, a day after the US confirmed it had conducted the strike as part of its counter-terrorism operations. He explained that the strike was the product of ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States and had no religious undertone. “It’s Nigeria that provided the intelligence. I was on the phone yesterday for 19 minutes with Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the United States. We spoke extensively, and we agreed that I was going to speak with President Tinubu for President Tinubu to give the go-ahead,” Tuggar said. “And I did speak with him and it was agreed also that the statements that would follow would be statements that would show clearly that it is a strike against terrorism and that it is part of the ongoing joint operations between Nigeria and collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.” The minister said Nigeria has consistently sought stronger partnerships with the US and other countries to tackle terrorism, describing the strike as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to security. “Nigeria has remained consistent in its approach, which is to work with all partners that are committed to the fight against terrorism, irrespective of what religion, who the victims are, whether they are Muslims or Christians, and irrespective of what type of terrorism, be it terrorism being carried out in the name of one religion or the other, or indeed even banditry. So this is an ongoing process.” He added, “We have been working closely with the Americans. This is what we’ve always been hoping for: to work with the Americans, work with other countries to combat terrorism, to stop the death of innocent Nigerians. So this is a vindication of the Tinubu administration. “For those who thought that there was some foot-dragging or the government wasn’t doing enough, it is a clear indication that we are committed and we are prepared to work with all countries.” Tuggar stressed that the operation had nothing to do with religion, noting that its sole objective was the protection of lives. “It is not to do with religion, it is to do with protecting Nigerians and the innocent lives of either Nigerians or non-Nigerians. This was clear. We spoke twice. “We spoke for 19 minutes before the strike, and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on.” The US President, Donald Trump, had earlier confirmed that American forces carried out an airstrike targeting suspected terrorist elements in Nigeria.

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BREAKING: US Confirms Airstrikes On ISIS Camps In Sokoto, Nigeria

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U.S. forces have carried out airstrikes on Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria following weeks of intelligence operations and at the request of Nigerian authorities, according to the U.S. military’s Africa Command. The strikes, conducted in Sokoto State, killed multiple ISIS militants operating from known camps. The operation followed intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria that began in late November, Reuters reported. Footage released by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a U.S. warship, while a U.S. defense official said several militants were struck during coordinated attacks. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes were part of ongoing security cooperation with Washington, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination. “This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry said in a post on X. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also acknowledged the collaboration, thanking Nigeria for its support and adding: “More to come…” .@POTUS “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and… pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t — Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025 Donald Trump announced the strikes on Christmas Day from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, saying on Truth Social: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! “I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.” Trump has repeatedly accused Islamist militants in Nigeria of targeting Christians and previously warned of possible U.S. military intervention if the violence continued. However, Nigeria’s government has rejected framing the country’s insecurity as religious persecution, insisting that armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians and that the crisis is driven by broader security challenges. Nigeria, which is nearly evenly split between Muslims and Christians, has faced years of insurgency, banditry, and communal violence across several regions. Analysts say the conflict is complex, fueled by criminal activity, territorial disputes, and longstanding economic pressures, alongside extremist violence. The airstrikes came amid renewed attacks elsewhere in the country. Police said a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured 35 others in Nigeria’s northeast, another area plagued by Islamist insurgents. Earlier on Christmas Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed for unity and peace in a message posted on X, calling for harmony “especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs.” He added: “I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence.” The Nigeria operation follows recent U.S. strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria after a suspected ISIS attack on American personnel there. Despite campaigning as a leader opposed to “endless wars,” Trump’s return to office has been marked by a series of overseas military actions targeting extremist groups.

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Niger Imposes Indefinite Entry Ban On US Citizens Amid Diplomatic Tensions

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Niger has imposed an indefinite ban on United States citizens, suspending all visa issuance and barring entry for Americans with immediate effect. The restrictions cover all forms of travel, including diplomatic, business, humanitarian, and tourist visits, heightening diplomatic tensions between Niamey and Washington. Authorities in Niger cited reciprocity and national sovereignty as the reasons for the move, pointing to what they described as recent hostile and punitive actions by the United States. No timeframe has been provided for a potential review or lifting of the ban. The decision comes amid strained relations between Niger and several Western countries following political upheavals in the Sahel nation. These tensions have already resulted in sanctions, aid suspensions, and changes to security and diplomatic partnerships. In recent months, Niger has sought to pivot its foreign policy away from traditional Western allies, strengthening ties with non-Western nations. Experts warn the ban could significantly affect humanitarian organisations, development agencies, and international bodies that rely on US personnel, while also complicating security and diplomatic cooperation in a region facing insurgency and political instability. The United States has not yet issued an official response, though officials are expected to raise concerns through diplomatic channels. Niger, however, insists the ban will remain in effect indefinitely, signalling a more assertive stance in its international relations.

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US Adds Nigeria To Partial Travel Restriction List As Trump Expands Entry Controls

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President Donald Trump has approved a new Proclamation expanding US travel restrictions, with citizens of 15 additional countries now subject to partial entry limitations as part of stricter security measures. The decision, taken on Tuesday, is aimed at reinforcing travel screening and national security standards. The countries newly placed under partial restrictions are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Proclamation retains full travel restrictions on 12 countries earlier identified as high risk. These are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition, five more countries have been moved into the full restriction category following updated security assessments. They are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, along with individuals travelling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial limits, have also been upgraded to full restrictions, while partial measures remain in effect for Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela. The order removes non-immigrant visa restrictions on Turkmenistan, with US authorities citing improved cooperation with Washington, although immigrant visa limits for its citizens remain unchanged. Exemptions under the Proclamation apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories including diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry is considered to be in the national interest of the United States.

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Riley Moore to Brief President Trump After U.S. Visit to Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Genocide

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U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has revealed that he will brief President Donald Trump following a fact-finding mission to Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide. Moore led a five-member congressional delegation that arrived in Nigeria on Sunday. During the visit, they met with survivors of terrorist attacks, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Christian communities, leaders, and traditional rulers, particularly in Benue State. The delegation also held discussions with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Speaking on Fox News with Harris Faulkner, Moore described the accounts they heard as some of the most shocking of his career. He recounted the story of a woman who lost five children in front of her while pregnant, later giving birth in an IDP camp. He also shared another case of a woman who lost her husband, two daughters, and unborn child in an attack, highlighting a pattern of violence against Christians. Due to security risks, the delegation traveled in armored vehicles, meeting with Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops, and community heads to gather what Moore called “ground truth.” “This is a fact-finding mission. Benue is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria. This is where many Christians are being killed for their faith,” he said. Moore also noted that IDP camps were attacked, challenging claims that the violence is solely driven by climate or land disputes. President Trump has tasked Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to compile a full report on their findings and provide recommendations, which they are expected to deliver by the end of the month. In October, Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide, a classification the Nigerian government has disputed, insisting the country’s security crisis is not religiously motivated.

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US Lawmaker Riley Moore Calls Nigeria Visit “Very Productive” Amid Security And Counter-Terrorism Talks

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US House of Representatives member Riley Moore has described his recent visit to Nigeria as “very productive,” highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the country’s “Country of Particular Concern” designation by former US President Donald Trump. Posting on X on Sunday, Moore wrote, “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people. Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!” While he did not provide immediate specifics about the purpose of his trip or the Nigerian officials he met, Moore promised to share further insights in the coming days. Earlier, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that he hosted the US Congressional delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between Nigeria and the United States. Ribadu explained that the visit followed prior discussions in Washington, D.C., centered on mutual security interests. “This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” Ribadu said on his official X account. He added that US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, attended the meeting, emphasizing that it underscored the importance both nations attach to security cooperation. Discussions reportedly focused on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and ways to strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. “I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu added. According to previous reports, Moore met with a senior Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu to discuss concerns over rising attacks on Christians and the growing threat of terrorism in the country. The lawmaker had first confirmed the high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., via a statement on his X page.

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