Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Itno announced a significant diplomatic move on Thursday, June 5, ordering the suspension of visa issuance to United States citizens. This decision, revealed through a Facebook post, comes as a direct reprisal for Chad's inclusion in a travel ban imposed by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. President Itno emphasized that Chad's action was guided by the "principles of reciprocity," signaling a firm stance against the U.S. measures.

The U.S. travel ban, which was set to take full effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, targeted nationals from 12 countries, including Chad. The American government justified the ban by citing national security interests, deficiencies in visa vetting processes, high visa overstay rates, and inadequate information-sharing practices by the affected nations. Besides Chad, other countries facing full restrictions included Afghanistan, Congo, Yemen, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea. The ban was a contentious issue, especially given Chad's previous cooperation with the U.S. on security and counter-terrorism efforts.

In his statement, President Mahamat Idriss Itno underscored that Chad's response was rooted in protecting its national dignity and pride. "I instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to citizens of the United States of America," he declared. He further added a poignant remark, "Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has his dignity and pride," possibly alluding to perceived disparities in international relations and influence based on references to actions by other nations.

The U.S. travel order also detailed heightened restrictions for individuals from several other countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. However, it allowed for potential exemptions to be granted by the Secretary of State on a "case-by-case" basis, including for lawful permanent residents, individuals with existing visas, or those whose entry was deemed to align with U.S. national interests. The widespread nature of the ban drew concern from international bodies, with the African Union (AU) expressing apprehension about its "potential negative impact" and urging the U.S. to adopt "a more consultative approach" with the countries involved.

Chad's decision to retaliate with its own visa suspension marks a notable diplomatic stance. By prioritizing national dignity, President Itno has positioned Chad as a nation unwilling to accept measures it deems unjust or disrespectful, regardless of potential economic or political considerations. This move highlights the complexities of international relations and the strong reactions that unilateral actions like broad travel bans can provoke.