Trump’s Travel Ban Courts Both Controversy and Support in Africa

The executive order took effect on June 9, prohibiting travel to the United States for citizens from a list of countries, including some in Africa.
Trump’s Travel Ban Courts Both Controversy and Support in Africa
People attend a rally and press conference organised by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) against President Donald Trump's new travel ban in New York City on June 9, 2025. Adam Gray/Getty Images
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JOHANNESBURG—Some critics of President Donald Trump’s latest proclamation of bans from entering the United States on the nationals of seven African countries, and restrictions on three others, say these are unjustified and proof of American neo-colonialism and imperialism.

On the other hand, supporters and some experts said his measures are fair, as some of the countries concerned are terrorist havens, while others are poorly governed and don’t have the security systems in place to adequately screen and vet travelers.