If African Nations Subjected to U.S. Travel Restrictions Responded Like People

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

Eritrea: Honestly, I wasn’t even asking for the spotlight.

Chad: Hey, I just held an election not too long ago. And wait – you excluded those still in uniform? Really?

Somalia: Not surprised, but I thought we were past this. Weren’t we friends?

Republic of the Congo: Interesting. You left out the other Congo?
Hmm. Sure, I may not have everything they’ve got, but I have still got resources worth noting.

Sudan: Okay then…

Equatorial Guinea: Yeah, Russia and I are close, but last I checked, you two aren’t exactly at war – right? Either way, it is what it is.

Libya: Fair enough.

Burundi: Why me? Look around – you will find noisier neighbors than me. Is this about the peace deal or the minerals?
Fine, if that’s how it has to be.

Sierra Leone: What did I do to end up on this list? If it’s about the recent drug busts, what about Guinea-Bissau – the actual drug transit hub?
Come on. I may be one of the poorest countries around, but terrorism isn’t exactly knocking on my door. SMH.

Togo: I don’t think you checked the map properly. Head north of me and you will see the real trouble spots.
Yes, I’m dealing with some issues, but come on – look at the landlocked countries. Also, I’ve got phosphate to offer. Interested? Never mind.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.