The African Union Commission (AUC) says it is perplexed by the inclusion of Chad in a list of states affected by a new U.S. travel ban, calling it unjust.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the authority “expressed bewilderment at the imposition of the unjust travel ban on the Republic of Chad, in particular, given its important role in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin, Northern Mali, and the Sahel.”
The Donald Trump administration on Sunday announced new restrictions on visitors from Chad and seven other countries — an expansion of an existing travel ban.
The AUC’s statement called for meaningful engagement in the fight against terrorism.
“While sharing the same concerns with the United States of America on the threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the AUC is of the view that cooperation and meaningful engagement are vital in shaping a common response to this very demanding global challenge,” it read.
The Chadian government on Tuesday said it did not understand the U.S.’ decision to include the country in the list, saying it contrasted with anti-terrorism efforts.
Chad is the headquarter of a multinational force formed by West African states to fight extremism in the Lake Chad region.
The AUC also said it was “perplexed by the imposition of a travel ban on some African countries as the free and legal movement of people is the foundation of a stronger and mutually enriching relationship between the African continent and the United States.”
Seven other countries are also affected by the ban – Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea and Venezuela.
