A planned training camp in the United States for the Senegalese women's basketball team has been canceled due to visa denials affecting several team members. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the change via social media, stating the team will now train in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, where conditions will be "sovereign and conducive."
This decision comes as the US prepares to enact new travel restrictions impacting 25 African nations, including Senegal. Earlier, the US barred citizens from 12 countries, among them seven from Africa, due to various concerns, including overstaying visas and national security threats.
The canceled camp had been designed to prepare for the upcoming 2025 Women's AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast. Reports indicate that five players and 13 officials were supposed to join their teammates and coach already in the US but were met with unexpected visa refusals.
The reasons for these visa denials remain unclear, as the U.S. Embassy has not released a statement regarding the situation. Despite the attempts for cooperation, Senegal's government emphasized the importance of adhering to visa regulations as diplomacy continues with the US.
In related developments, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister expressed concerns that expanding travel bans may hinder potential energy deals with West African nations. The Trump administration's approach prioritizes national security while addressing visa overstays from select countries.
