A planned training session for the Senegalese women’s basketball team in the United States has been abruptly canceled after several athletes were denied US visas. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the decision, stating the team would now conduct their training in Dakar, Senegal, “in a sovereign and conducive setting.”
This cancellation comes amidst reports that the United States is looking to enforce new travel restrictions on an additional 25 African countries, including Senegal. Earlier this month, the US implemented a travel ban affecting 12 nations, seven of which are in Africa, alongside partial restrictions on six more.
The specific reasons behind the visa denials for the Senegalese athletes remain unclear, as the US Embassy has not issued a public comment on the situation. In a statement shared on social media, Sonko expressed his disappointment upon learning of the visa refusals and instructed the Ministry of Sports to cancel the scheduled ten-day training originally set in the US.
Reports indicate that five players and 13 officials from Senegal were traveling to join their teammates and coach already in the US to prepare for the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast next month. As these visa applications were not approved, the training will now be held domestically.
Amid the new travel restriction announcements, Senegal's foreign ministry advised its citizens to adhere to their permitted stay duration in the US. While it refrained from commenting on Senegal's potential inclusion in the expanded travel ban, the ministry emphasized ongoing cooperation with US authorities.
In related discussions, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar noted concerns that the new travel bans might hinder future energy and rare earth mineral negotiations that West African nations are considering with the US. The Trump administration maintains that national security and a significant issue of visa overstaying from certain countries necessitate these restrictions.
