United States President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation banning travel to the US from nationals of 12 countries, citing national security risks, according to the White House.
By Othello B. Garblah
Liberia, which was mentioned on a provisional list comprising of 22 countries under a “Yellow” category has been omitted from the Trump’s travel ban list for countries, he described as being out of control barely three months after the listing emerged.
But with the high rate of visa denials for Liberians wishing to travel to the US, it remains to be seen how long it will take before the US draws its curtain on Liberia.
In early March this year, a purported list allegedly developed by U.S. diplomats and security officials to impose strict travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries, including Liberia, was leaked on several international and local media outlets.
The list then categorized these nations into three groups based on their perceived security risks and government effectiveness.
Under the proposed policy, 11 countries were placed on a “red” list, meaning their citizens will be completely banned from entering the United States. Another 10 countries were on an “orange” list, which would restrict but not entirely block their travel to the US.
Additionally, 22 countries, including Liberia, were placed on a “yellow” list and given 60 days to address security deficiencies or face a potential travel ban.
Though the authenticity of the list was questioned, the Liberian Government said at the time that it was not taking the news lightly.
However, on Wednesday, the Trump administration placed a full travel ban on 12 countries including 7 African countries. The countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
It also placed partial travel restrictions on Sierra Leone, Togo and Burundi – all of which it says pose a risk to its national security.
The proclamation goes into effect on Monday, 9 June, according to the White House.
In a statement reacting to the US Government decision, the African Union Commission (AU) has registered its concern over the move to impose new travel restrictions on nationals from seven African countries.
The AU noted that while it acknowledged the sovereign right of nations to protect their borders and ensure national security, it urges the US to apply such measures in a way that is balanced, based on evidence, and consistent with the longstanding partnership between Africa and the US.
“The commission remains concerned about the potential negative impact of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and the broader diplomatic relations that have been carefully nurtured over decades,” the statement said.
