US rejects visas for Senegal women’s basketball team amid sweeping travel bans announced by Donald Trump

Multiple reports came out last week that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering expanding a travel ban that originally included only 12 countries. Trump plans to add 36 more countries to the list.

Although the Republican leader has not signed a new proclamation yet, Senegal, on the expanded list, felt the repercussions.

Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Friday:

“Informed of the refusal of issuing visas to several members of the Senegal women's national basketball team, I have instructed the Ministry of Sports to simply cancel the ten-day preparatory training initially planned in the United States of America.”

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Sonko’s decision came after the U.S. reportedly denied visas for five athletes, six staff members and a government official. The Senegalese women’s basketball players will instead train in Dakar, which Sonko called a “sovereign and conducive setting for the performance of four athletes.”

The Senegal women’s basketball team is preparing for the 2025 AfroBasket, a competition that takes place every two years. This year, Côte d'Ivoire will play host for the first time in tournament history. Senegal, 11-time winners, last won the competition in 2015. Since then, Nigeria has ruled the past four editions of the tournament.

Senegal's Prime Minister expresses “deep gratitude” to China after Donald Trump’s travel restrictions caused complications

Donald Trump’s plan to expand a full or partial ban for 36 countries complicated Senegal’s preparations for the 2025 AfroBasket. After announcing the cancellation of his country’s basketball training in the U.S., Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko showed gratitude to a new benefactor.

Sonko wrote in the same Facebook announcement:

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the People's Republic of China, which has awarded several dozens of preparation scholarships to our athletes and their coaches, in the perspective of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.”

Several African countries made it to Donald Trump’s expanded full or partial travel ban list. China reportedly looks to strengthen its presence in the continent following Trump’s restrictions.

Also read:

"Donald Trump really wants to kill sports": Bill Russell’s daughter Karen comments on ICE and CBP agents being deployed at the FIFA Club World Cup

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Michael Macasero

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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