Taiwan has strongly condemned Somalia’s recent decision to ban the entry and transit of Taiwanese passport holders, attributing the move to pressure from China over Taiwan’s growing ties with Somaliland. In response, Taiwan has imposed a reciprocal ban on Somali nationals.
Somalia’s Ban on Taiwanese Citizens
On April 22, Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a directive to all airlines, instructing them not to carry passengers holding Taiwanese passports for entry, transit, or departure through Somalia. The ban took effect on April 30. Somalia cited adherence to the “One China” policy and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 as the basis for this decision.
China welcomed Somalia’s action, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating that the move aligns with the “One China” principle and demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
Taiwan’s Response and Reciprocal Measures
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned Somalia’s decision, describing it as a politically motivated act influenced by Beijing. MOFA emphasized that the ban restricts the freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals and urged Somalia to revoke the directive. In a reciprocal move, Taiwan announced a ban on Somali passport holders entering Taiwan.
MOFA also advised Taiwanese citizens to avoid traveling to both Somalia and Somaliland until the restrictions are lifted, citing safety concerns.
The Somaliland Connection
The diplomatic tensions between Taiwan and Somalia are rooted in Taiwan’s relationship with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but lacks widespread international recognition. In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland established representative offices in each other’s capitals, fostering cooperation in areas such as education, health, and security.
Somalia views Somaliland as part of its territory and opposes any form of official exchange between Taiwan and Somaliland. China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory, also opposes Taiwan’s engagement with Somaliland and has expressed support for Somalia’s stance.
International Implications
The reciprocal travel bans highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Taiwan, Somalia, Somaliland, and China. Analysts suggest that the situation underscores China’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa and the broader implications of Taiwan’s efforts to expand its international presence.
While the immediate impact on travel may be limited—Taiwanese citizens rarely visit Somalia—the bans symbolize the broader struggle for diplomatic recognition and influence in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with concerns about the potential for further escalation.
