Mali has announced that US nationals visiting the country will be required to post a bond of up to $10,000 for business and tourist visas, in a reciprocal move against a similar policy introduced by the Trump administration.

The US embassy in Bamako said on Friday the measure was intended to reinforce Washington’s “commitment to protecting America’s borders and safeguarding US national security.”

Mali’s foreign ministry responded on Sunday, saying the US had imposed the bond unilaterally, prompting Bamako to “establish an identical visa programme” for American visitors.

The US visa bond requirement was introduced recently, affecting several African countries including The Gambia.

The Trump administration has adopted a hardline stance on immigration and has sought to expand deportation agreements with African nations as part of its broader crackdown.

Last week, neighbouring Burkina Faso’s military government also refused to take in deportees from the US, after Washington suspended visa issuance in the country.

Burkinabé foreign affairs minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré questioned whether the embassy’s move amounted to “blackmail,” saying he had earlier rejected a US proposal to host migrants from third countries.