The Malian government has announced the implementation of new visa requirements for U.S. citizens, in a direct and proportional response to recent measures imposed by the Donald Trump administration, which many consider discriminatory and racist.

Last week, Washington introduced an immigration policy requiring visa applicants from Mali -- as well as six other African countries -- to pay a deposit of between $5.000 and $10.000, which is refundable only if the visitor leaves the U.S. before their visa expires. It also restricts entry to just three airports in the country. This measure, which will take effect on October 23, also affects Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia.

A response of sovereignty and reciprocity

In response to what it describes as a "unilateral decision contrary to the spirit of cooperation," Mali's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has declared that it will apply an identical visa regime to US citizens. "Mali has decided to establish a symmetrical visa program, imposing the same conditions and requirements on US citizens," the Foreign Ministry stated in an official statement.

The Malian government emphasized that this measure is not a hostile act, but rather a legitimate defense of its sovereignty and national dignity. "Mali has always collaborated with the United States in the fight against irregular immigration, in accordance with the law and human dignity," the Ministry recalled, noting that the new US policy violates the 2005 bilateral agreement on long-stay, multiple-entry visas.

Institutionalized racism under the pretext of migration

Various human rights organizations and international analysts have denounced that these Trump administration measures reinforce a pattern of racial exclusion and stigmatization toward African countries. The exorbitant deposit requirements, applied selectively to nations in the Global South, constitute an economic and symbolic barrier that perpetuates historical inequalities.

By replicating these conditions, Mali not only defends the principle of diplomatic reciprocity, but also sends a clear message: The dignity of the African people is not negotiableIn the face of immigration policies that discriminate based on origin, the Malian government reaffirms its commitment to equity, sovereignty, and mutual respect among nations.

Mali reciprocates US-imposed "racist" visa