Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has announced the cancellation of a US training session for the national women's basketball team, after several squad members were denied visas. The decision comes against the backdrop of new travel restrictions imposed by the US on African nations, including Senegal.
Senegal's Basketball Training in the US Cancelled Amid Visa Denials
Senegal's Basketball Training in the US Cancelled Amid Visa Denials
The Senegalese women's basketball team's planned training camp in the US has been halted following multiple visa rejections for team members, raising concerns amid new US travel restrictions.
The Senegalese women's basketball team's preparations for the upcoming AfroBasket tournament have hit a significant roadblock as a planned training session in the United States has been canceled. The decision was made by Senegal's Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, who cited the refusal of US visas for several squad members as the primary reason.
In a proactive move, Prime Minister Sonko announced that the team would instead conduct their training in Dakar, asserting that they could adequately prepare in a "sovereign and conducive setting." This shift occurs at a time when the US is reportedly considering imposing even stricter travel restrictions on up to 25 African nations, further complicating international cooperation in sports and other fields.
Earlier this month, the US had already rolled out a travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries, seven of which are in Africa. Additionally, partial restrictions were placed on nationals from a further seven countries. The motives behind the visa denials for the Senegalese athletes remain unclear, as the US Embassy has yet to comment publicly on the situation.
Prime Minister Sonko expressed his disappointment over the visa refusals, stating, "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." Reports indicate that the denied visas involved five players and 13 team officials who were intended to join other team members already in the US for their training sessions.
The issue of visa denials has raised eyebrows, especially in light of a leaked diplomatic cable suggesting that targeted countries, which may include Senegal, have 60 days to remedy concerns related to visa overstay issues and cooperation on deportations. The Senegalese foreign ministry has since urged its citizens to adhere to lawful stays while in the US, emphasizing its commitment to collaborate with American diplomats.
Concerns about the broader implications of these travel restrictions have also arisen. Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yussuf Tuggar, warned that the potential expansion of travel bans could hinder crucial energy deals and access to rare earth minerals from West African nations to the US, exacerbating the already tense diplomatic climate.
As Senegal looks to recalibrate its training regime, the focus remains on successfully preparing for the AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast next month, highlighting the determination of the team to adapt amidst growing international travel challenges.
