Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the cancellation of the Senegalese women's basketball team's training in the US after visa rejections affected multiple players. The move coincides with growing US travel restrictions targeting several African nations, exacerbating diplomatic tensions.
Senegal's Women's Basketball Training in US Cancelled Due to Visa Issues
Senegal's Women's Basketball Training in US Cancelled Due to Visa Issues
The Senegalese women's basketball team's planned training session in the US has been canceled following visa denials for several squad members.
A planned training session for the Senegalese women's basketball team in the United States has been abruptly canceled due to the rejection of visas for a number of squad members. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed the decision, stating that the training would now take place in Dakar, Senegal's capital, "in a sovereign and conducive setting."
This cancellation comes as reports indicate that the US government is poised to implement additional travel restrictions affecting 25 more African nations, including Senegal. Earlier this month, a travel ban was instituted targeting citizens from 12 countries, seven of which are located in Africa. Meanwhile, partial restrictions were also enacted on nationals from another seven nations comprising three from Africa.
The reasons for the denial of visas for the Senegalese athletes remain unclear, with the US Embassy yet to provide a public explanation. In a statement shared via social media, Prime Minister Sonko highlighted the government's swift response to the visa situation, instructing the Ministry of Sports to cancel the ten-day preparatory training that was initially scheduled in the US.
Reports indicate that five players and 13 officials from the Senegalese team were due to travel to the US to join their coach and other members of the squad as part of their preparation for the upcoming Women's AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast next month. However, their visa applications were unsuccessful.
The recent visa refusals have been met with skepticism, particularly in light of a leaked diplomatic cable outlining the new travel restrictions. Countries affected by these measures have reportedly been given up to 60 days to rectify concerns raised by the US, which include issues such as visa overstays and links to terrorism or anti-American activities.
In response to the looming travel restrictions, Senegal's foreign ministry has urged its nationals to adhere to the permitted periods of stay in the US. While the government refrained from directly commenting on Senegal's potential inclusion in the new travel ban list, they emphasized ongoing collaboration with the US administration concerning diplomatic and consular services.
Meanwhile, potential repercussions of the extended travel bans were echoed by Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar, who pointed out that such measures could hinder the energy and rare earth mineral agreements West African countries are looking to pursue with the US. The Trump administration continues to assert that national security concerns remain a priority, alongside addressing the high rates of visa overstays from select countries.
