Bangladesh, Dec. 26 -- Nigers decision to indefinitely bar US nationals from entering its territory marks a sharp escalation in deteriorating relations between Washington and several Sahelian states, underscoring a broader geopolitical realignment unfolding across West Africa. The move, reported on December 25 by Nigers state-affiliated press agency ANP, is grounded in the principle of reciprocity and follows the United States decision to impose sweeping travel restrictions on Nigerien citizens.

According to diplomatic sources cited by ANP, Nigers government has halted the issuance of visas to US nationals in direct response to Washingtons inclusion of Niger on a list of countries subject to expanded US travel bans. The measure is not me...