In a significant diplomatic rift, Somalia has implemented a ban preventing Taiwanese passport holders from entering its borders, a move seen as influenced by pressure from China, according to Taipei’s foreign ministry. This decision arrives as Taiwan strengthens its relationship with Somaliland—a self-declared independent territory that has been wary of Chinese expansion in Africa.
Taiwan Accuses Somalia of Yielding to Chinese Pressure Over Passport Ban
Taiwan Accuses Somalia of Yielding to Chinese Pressure Over Passport Ban
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Somalia's restriction on its passport holders, attributing the move to Chinese diplomatic influence amid growing ties with Somaliland.
The ban comes just days after Taiwan's foreign minister visited Eswatini, one of the few remaining allies in Africa. Following a notification from Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority, Taiwanese citizens are now restricted from entering, exiting, and transiting through Somalia. Somali officials attributed the decision to align with United Nations Resolution 2758, which endorses the People's Republic of China as the sole recognized Chinese representative at the UN, a claim that Taiwan contests.
Somaliland, with a population of five million, has sought closer diplomatic ties with Taiwan since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. With its own institutions and currency, Somaliland has struggled for international recognition, complicating its ability to engage in trade and security agreements. In light of its diplomatic overtures towards Taiwan, Somaliland is reportedly seeking recognition from the Trump administration, leveraging relationships with Republican lawmakers.
This emerging alliance with Taiwan has generated significant backlash from both Somalia and Beijing, as concerns grow about increased Taiwanese influence in areas historically dominated by Chinese investments.
Somaliland, with a population of five million, has sought closer diplomatic ties with Taiwan since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. With its own institutions and currency, Somaliland has struggled for international recognition, complicating its ability to engage in trade and security agreements. In light of its diplomatic overtures towards Taiwan, Somaliland is reportedly seeking recognition from the Trump administration, leveraging relationships with Republican lawmakers.
This emerging alliance with Taiwan has generated significant backlash from both Somalia and Beijing, as concerns grow about increased Taiwanese influence in areas historically dominated by Chinese investments.
