Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has called off a planned training session in the United States for the women’s national basketball team, citing the U.S. government’s refusal to grant visas to several squad members. The team will now prepare for the upcoming 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Dakar, which Sonko described as a “sovereign and conducive setting.
The cancellation comes as the U.S. reportedly plans to expand travel restrictions to 25 more African nations, including Senegal. Earlier this month, bans were announced for citizens of 12 countries seven from Africa alongside partial restrictions for an additional seven.
According to reports, five players and 13 team officials had planned to join teammates and coaching staff already in the U.S. for a ten day preparation camp but were denied entry. The U.S. Embassy has not yet commented on the situation.
The visa denials have stirred controversy, especially in light of a leaked diplomatic cable suggesting targeted countries had 60 days to address concerns such as visa overstays, deportation resistance, and alleged national security risks.
Senegal’s foreign ministry urged citizens to adhere to visa terms during U.S. stays and emphasized ongoing cooperation with American diplomatic authorities. Meanwhile, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar warned that the expanded travel bans could hinder potential energy and mineral trade opportunities between the U.S. and West African nations.
