Nils Brander
Taiwan has strongly condemned Somalia’s decision to ban travelers with Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through the East African nation. The restriction, which took effect on Wednesday, follows an order issued last week by Somali aviation authorities, according to Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry.
The Somali authorities have yet to comment publicly on the measure. The ban comes amidst rising tensions involving Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China, and its efforts to strengthen ties with Somaliland—a breakaway region of Somalia that declared independence 34 years ago but remains largely unrecognized internationally.
In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland established diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals—an action that drew sharp criticism from both China and Somalia. The Somali civil aviation authority informed airlines that Taiwanese passports would “no longer be valid for entry into or transit through the Federal Republic of Somalia,” effective from April 30, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry stated.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed outrage, accusing Somalia of acting under Chinese influence to restrict the travel rights and safety of Taiwanese nationals. The ministry called for the immediate revocation of the ban and advised Taiwanese citizens to avoid traveling to Somalia or Somaliland until the situation is resolved.
Neither Somaliland nor Somalia has publicly responded to the recent developments. China, meanwhile, welcomed the ban, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun endorsing it as a “legitimate measure” that demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to the one-China policy.
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, maintains its own constitution and holds regular elections. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened military action to reunify the island if necessary. Due to China’s diplomatic pressure, only a few countries officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically.
Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali government, remains unrecognized by any sovereign state. The region holds democratic elections but faces ongoing conflict, with parts under the influence of militant groups like al-Shabab, linked to al-Qaeda. Somalia regards Somaliland as part of its territory and has experienced diplomatic disputes over regional issues, including recently contentious port leasing agreements brokered by Ethiopia and Turkey.
