The West African country of Mali has decided to require American citizens to pay $10,000 to obtain a visa to visit or work in the country.

The country's decision comes after the US government imposed similar measures on its citizens.

The US embassy in Mali said on Friday that the payment was made "to protect American borders and the country's national security."

Mali's Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that the bailout money was being allocated separately and would provide for a "similar visa program" for American citizens.

The change in visa policy comes as the two countries seek to improve diplomatic relations.

US officials who visited Mali in July last year discussed counter-terrorism cooperation, the EconoMe partnership, and the use of Mali's gold and lithium mineral reserves.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 2021 coup in Mali led by General Assimi Goita.

After the coup, Mali strengthened its ties with Russia to counter repeated attacks by jihadists.

The general who expelled the French soldiers from his country has invited Wagner mercenaries operating under the Russian Ministry of Defense to his country.

The Trump administration is using African countries as a destination in its push to deport undocumented immigrants.