The decision was made as a measure of reciprocity, with President Deby stating, "I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to US citizens."

Chad's President, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has announced the suspension of visa issuance to United States citizens in retaliation against the recent US travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Chad. 

The decision was made as a measure of reciprocity, with President Deby stating, "I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to US citizens."

The US travel ban, signed by President Donald Trump, affects not only Chad but also six other African countries: the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. 

According to President Trump, the ban aims to protect the US from potential foreign terrorist threats and other security risks. 

He emphasised, "It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes."

In response to the travel ban, Chad said it has chosen to assert its national dignity and pride. 

President Deby highlighted the country's limited resources compared to wealthier nations, saying, "Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give but Chad has its dignity and pride." 

This statement underscores Chad's sovereignty and its determination not to be passive in the face of policies it deems unjust. 

SaharaReporters had reported that the African Union Commission expressed concern over the arbitrary travel restrictions imposed on African countries by the US government, warning that the measures could strain decades-long diplomatic relations between the two sides. 

The commission had called for a more balanced and evidence-based approach in the US decision-making process, stating, "The African Union Commission respectfully appeals to the United States to exercise this right in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa."