Somalia has implemented a travel ban on Taiwanese passport holders, a move seen as influenced by Beijing, further complicating Taipei's growing relationship with Somaliland.
Taiwan Condemns Somalia's Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders
Taiwan Condemns Somalia's Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders
Taipei's response reveals geopolitical tensions as it strengthens ties with Somaliland amid Chinese influence.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Somalia has barred Taiwanese passport holders from entering its territory, attributing the ban to alleged pressure from China. This action occurs as Taiwan works to enhance diplomatic relations with Somaliland, an autonomous region of around five million people that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central Somali government.
Despite having a functioning government and institutions, Somaliland struggles for international recognition, which hampers its efforts to engage in trade agreements or manage its airspace effectively. In recent years, Somaliland has pursued closer relations with Taiwan, inciting responses from both Somalia and China, as the enclave pushes back against Beijing’s expanding influence in Africa. Somaliland is currently seeking diplomatic recognition from the United States, particularly leveraging connections with Republican lawmakers and conservative think tanks.
The travel ban on Taiwanese nationals follows a visit by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister to Eswatini, the last African nation to officially recognize Taiwan. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority reportedly notified airline operators that Taiwanese passport holders would not be permitted to “enter, exit and transit” Somalia, starting immediately. Somali officials cited adherence to United Nations Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, which acknowledges the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China at the UN. However, this resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan's sovereignty, a point Taiwan is keen to emphasize as Beijing’s claims over the island grow increasingly assertive.
Despite having a functioning government and institutions, Somaliland struggles for international recognition, which hampers its efforts to engage in trade agreements or manage its airspace effectively. In recent years, Somaliland has pursued closer relations with Taiwan, inciting responses from both Somalia and China, as the enclave pushes back against Beijing’s expanding influence in Africa. Somaliland is currently seeking diplomatic recognition from the United States, particularly leveraging connections with Republican lawmakers and conservative think tanks.
The travel ban on Taiwanese nationals follows a visit by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister to Eswatini, the last African nation to officially recognize Taiwan. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority reportedly notified airline operators that Taiwanese passport holders would not be permitted to “enter, exit and transit” Somalia, starting immediately. Somali officials cited adherence to United Nations Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, which acknowledges the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China at the UN. However, this resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan's sovereignty, a point Taiwan is keen to emphasize as Beijing’s claims over the island grow increasingly assertive.
