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Chad-US Diplomatic Crisis: Ban and Response
By: Benny Gassi - Charilogone Editorial StaffContext and US Justification
The United States, under President Donald Trump, decreed in June 2025 a ban on the entry of nationals from twelve countries, including Chad.
The US decision is part of a process initiated in 2017 under the Trump administration, when Chad had already been temporarily included on a list of countries subject to immigration restrictions. The resurgence of tensions in 2025 comes after a three-month ultimatum issued by Washington to the states concerned to improve their cooperation on security and visa management.
This measure, officially motivated by national security and counterterrorism concerns, is based on Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. US authorities put forward several arguments specific to Chad:
· A high overstay rate for Chadian nationals (nearly 50% for B-1/B-2 tourist visas and over 55% for student and exchange visas in 2023).
· Procedures deemed insufficient for identity verification, document issuance, and security cooperation.
· The desire to encourage the countries concerned to strengthen identity management and the sharing of security information.
The US decision also comes against a backdrop of more restrictive immigration policy, reinforced by a recent terrorist attack on US soil, although the perpetrator was not from Chad.
Furthermore, the crisis comes at a time when Chad is losing the key role it had played in the fight against terrorism by withdrawing from the Task Force against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin and supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, against the Khartoum regime led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
It is also worth noting that the American and French military personnel had recently been expelled from Chad.
Reaction and Analysis of the Chadian Response
In response, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered the immediate suspension of visas to American citizens, invoking the principle of diplomatic reciprocity, a common practice in international relations but rarely applied so firmly towards the United States by an African country. The Chadian president emphasized that his country has "neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride," thus demonstrating a desire to assert national sovereignty and reject any stigmatization or discriminatory treatment of its citizens.
Implications and Scope of the Crisis
· Diplomacy and Sovereignty: Chad's gesture is part of a rationale for defending national dignity and equality between states. This is a strong signal to Washington that security relations and strategic partnerships do not justify unilateral measures deemed discriminatory.
Practical effects: Both measures will have immediate consequences: thousands of U.S. citizens residing or working in Chad could have their visa renewals blocked, while Chadian students, businesspeople, and diplomats will also be affected by the U.S. suspension. The U.S. Embassy in Chad has advised its citizens to avoid the country and residents to maintain a low profile, reflecting the escalating tensions.
· Regional and international reactions: The African Union has expressed concern about the potential negative impact of these measures on educational, commercial, and diplomatic exchanges, calling for constructive dialogue. The crisis comes at a time when Chad plays a key role in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, which could complicate regional security cooperation.
Symbolism and Precedent: This escalation sets a precedent in US-Africa relations, as most African countries have previously avoided direct reciprocity in the face of similar US measures. While Chad has opted for firm reciprocity, Congo-Brazzaville has favored diplomatic dialogue, believing its inclusion on the list resulted from a "misunderstanding" linked to a terrorist attack in the United States.
Outlook
The current crisis may be temporary: the United States has indicated it could reconsider its position if Chad improves its identity management and security cooperation procedures. In the past, a similar measure had been lifted following bilateral discussions and joint efforts. However, as long as the situation persists, it risks weakening counterterrorism cooperation and negatively impacting economic, educational, and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In conclusion, the ban on Chadian citizens entering the United States, motivated by security and migration concerns, prompted an immediate and symbolically strong response from Chad, which suspended visas for Americans in the name of reciprocity and national dignity. This diplomatic crisis highlights the tensions between American security policies and the sovereignty of African countries, while raising questions about the future of bilateral and regional cooperation.
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