US Bars Entry of Nationals From DRC, Uganda and South Sudan

WASHINGTON — The United States has activated Title 42 public health authority to bar the entry of foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days. The restriction, linked to the Ebola outbreak, applies to all foreign nationals regardless of their citizenship or visa status.

The State Department confirmed the entry restrictions on Wednesday as part of a comprehensive Ebola response package. The department said protecting Americans and the American homeland is its first priority. It said the restrictions will remain in place until the outbreak is declared contained.

Level 4 Do Not Travel advisories have been issued for all three countries. These are the highest advisory levels the US issues. They mean that American citizens and permanent residents should not travel to those countries under any circumstances.

The State Department is also working to evacuate any affected American citizens in the three countries. Officials said consular teams in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan are actively assessing the situation and assisting Americans who want to leave.

Impact on Africa

The US entry restrictions have significant implications for Africans who hold US visas or plan to travel to America through those countries. Business travellers, students, medical workers, and aid workers who have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan are now barred from entering the United States.

Aid organisations have raised concern about the impact on humanitarian response. Many workers rotate between affected countries and international hubs. Restricting their movement could slow the delivery of critical health supplies and reduce the number of experienced responders available on the ground.

Furthermore, South Sudan’s inclusion in the restrictions has surprised some officials. As of Wednesday, the Ebola outbreak has not been confirmed in South Sudan. However, the US said South Sudan shares porous borders with both DRC and Uganda, making it a high-risk transit zone.

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Position

Nigeria has not yet formally responded to the US entry restrictions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also not issued an advisory for Nigerian citizens who may have recently passed through the affected countries.

Nigerian diaspora groups in the United States have expressed concern about the restrictions affecting Nigerians with travel history to those countries. Several Nigerians study, work, and operate businesses in DRC and Uganda. They may now face difficulty returning to the US.

The Nigerian Embassy in Washington has advised affected Nigerians to contact the embassy directly for guidance on their specific situations. The embassy said it is monitoring the State Department’s directives closely and will issue detailed guidance as soon as the situation becomes clearer.