In brief
Mali's government has implemented a new visa policy requiring US nationals to post a bond of up to $10,000 for business and tourist visas, claiming it as a reciprocal measure. This policy arises from strained diplomatic relations due to US immigration practices and follows a trend of Mali seeking to pivot towards Russia after recent political upheaval.
Mali has announced that US nationals visiting the West African country will be required to post a bond of up to $10,000 (£7,500) for business and tourist visas, in response to a similar requirement the Trump administration has imposed on its citizens.
The US embassy in Mali said on Friday the fee had been introduced to reinforce Washington's commitment to protecting America's borders and safeguarding US national security.
Mali's foreign ministry stated that the bond was imposed unilaterally and aimed to establish an identical visa programme for US citizens.
This visa policy shift occurs despite attempts to improve diplomatic relations between the two nations. Recently, US officials visited Mali to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly concerning access to Mali's gold and lithium reserves.
Relations have worsened since the 2021 coup in Mali led to General Assimi Goïta's rise to power, steering the country towards closer ties with Russia while expelling French troops and engaging mercenaries from the Wagner Group.
Additionally, Burkina Faso's military government has denied US deportations, questioning the US's decision to suspend visas, which has been perceived as a form of blackmail over immigration issues.
