A training session for Senegal’s female basketball team in the US has been released, the Prime Minister of the West African nation said he canceled it as some squads refused to be the US visa.
Prime Minister Osmman Sonko said that the team will now train “in a sovereign and favorable setting” in Senegal’s capital Dakar.
It comes It is reported that the US has planned to impose a fresh travel ban on 25 more African countriesIncluding Senegal.
America announced earlier this month Ban on citizens of 12 countries including seven from Africa. Along with three from Africa, there were partial travel restrictions on citizens of seven countries.
It is not clear why Senegal’s athletes were denied visas, as the US embassy does not have to comment in public.
Sonco said in a statement shared on social media on Thursday, “Several members of the Senegal Women’s National Basketball Team have been informed about refusing to issue visas, I have directed the Sports Ministry to cancel the ten-day initial training employed early in the United States.”
Reports said that five Senegal Basketball players and 13 team officials were traveling to meet the squad and their coaches, who were already in the US, for the next month to heated to the 2025 women’s Afrobacket tournament in the Ivory Coast.
But their visa applications were not approved.
Visa refugees are increasing the eyebrows, as description of extended travel restrictions according to the recently leaked diplomatic cable, targeted countries were given 60 days to address the concerns raised by the US.
These include their visas, lack of cooperation with exile, links of terrorist attacks in the US, anti-Jewish or involving anti-American activity.
Following the reported new travel sanctions, Senegal’s Foreign Ministry urged the citizens to follow the permission to stay in the US.
Although it did not comment directly on Senegal being included in the latest list of restricted countries, the government statement underlined that diplomatic and consular services were working in close cooperation with the US administration.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggagar said extended travel restrictions can disrupt possible energy and rare earth mineral deals that can offer America America.
The Trump administration emphasized national security concerns and should address a high rate of visa overstees from some countries.
Additional reporting by Natasha loot
