The head of an alliance of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger says the launch of a joint battalion “must be followed by large-scale operations in the coming days."

BAMAKO, Mali -- Mali and Burkina Faso said late Tuesday they would ban U.S. citizens from entering their countries in retaliation for U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to ban Malian and Burkinabe citizens from entering the United States.

Suspected jihadists attacked the Morila gold mine in Mali at the weekend, burning equipment and taking seven employees hostage before releasing them, an official from the mining ministry told Reuters on Monday.

Mali imposed a separate reciprocal visa restriction on U.S. citizens in October, when the country announced a $5,000 to $10,000 bond on American business and tourist travelers in response to a similar U.S. program that affected 11 African nations. The U.S. removed Mali from the list of affected countries weeks later.

The two West African countries said they were acting in the name of "reciprocity" following Trump's travel ban.

The 5 key players in the Tunisia vs Mali matchMali/@CAFTunisia and Mali face off in the round of 16 of AFCON 2025. This mouth-watering showdown is set for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 19:00 GMT.

Morocco looks to solidify its lead in AFCON's Group A against Mali in Rabat. Get the full preview, predicted lineups, and viewing details.

Mali and Burkina Faso announced restrictions on visitors from the US in response to Washington imposing travel curbs on their citizens.