In a bold move echoing global diplomatic tensions, Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has ordered an immediate suspension of visa issuances to U.S. citizens. The decision, announced via social media Thursday, comes just 24 hours after the U.S. added Chad to its controversial travel ban list.
🔥 "Chad has its dignity and pride," the president declared, framing the action as a response to what he called "unilateral" U.S. policies. The move highlights growing friction between nations navigating post-pandemic travel norms and security concerns.
💡 Why it matters: This marks the first African nation to directly counter recent U.S. immigration restrictions. Analysts call it a "diplomatic mic drop" that could influence how smaller economies respond to major powers' policies.
🌍 Context check: The U.S. State Department had previously praised Chad as a "key counterterrorism partner" in the Sahel region. But Wednesday's proclamation by former President Donald Trump abruptly labeled the country a security risk—despite zero terror-linked U.S. deaths involving Chadian nationals since 9/11.
✈️ Travel alert: While mostly symbolic (only ~200 U.S. tourists visit Chad annually), the tit-for-tat move signals how visa policies are becoming geopolitical chess pieces. Stay tuned as this developing story could impact business travelers and aid workers in the region.
