Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has welcomed the recent visa restrictions placed on American citizens by some African countries.
Sani described the move as bold and symbolic. He said it reflects growing confidence among African nations in defending their sovereignty on the global stage.
The former lawmaker made his views known in a post shared on his verified X account on Friday. His comments followed the decision by Mali and Burkina Faso to impose travel restrictions on citizens of the United States.
The visa action by the two West African countries came amid rising diplomatic tension with Washington. The measures were widely seen as a response to earlier visa policies announced by the United States.
Reacting to the development, Sani praised the governments involved. He said their action showed courage and self-respect.
According to him, “The Courageous decision by the Governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to retaliate against Mr Trump’s visa ban and restrictions is a proud moment for Africa.”
He added that global power is not the exclusive right of any one country. In his words, “Nobody has the monopoly of madness.”
Sani also used the moment to comment on what he described as the unfair treatment of Africans on the international stage. He said Africans are often disrespected, even when they try to please foreign powers.
He stated, “No matter how the black man tries to disown and demean his country,and lick the boots of imperialism, he will never be embraced or loved by the ideologically far right.”
However, the visa restrictions by Mali and Burkina Faso are part of a broader shift in foreign policy posture by some Sahel countries.
In recent years, these nations have pushed back against Western influence while strengthening regional alliances.