Somalia has announced a ban on entry for all Taiwanese passport holders. The move is linked to Somalia’s compliance with a United Nations resolution, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry. This decision comes at a time when Taiwan is strengthening ties with Somaliland, a region that has long been in a dispute with Somalia over independence.
Background on Somalia and Somaliland
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not gained full recognition from the international community. The region has enjoyed relative peace compared to Somalia, which has faced decades of civil war and instability. The situation between the two remains tense, as Somalia does not recognize Somaliland’s independence.
Taiwan’s Diplomatic Ties with Somaliland
Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has also faced international isolation. Despite this, Taiwan and Somaliland established representative offices in each other’s capitals in 2020. This move angered both Somalia and China. Taiwan’s decision to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Somaliland has raised concerns, especially from Mogadishu, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.
Somalia’s Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders
In a statement released late on Tuesday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry confirmed that Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice last week. This notice, effective Wednesday, banned Taiwanese passports from being accepted for entry into Somalia. The ministry condemned this decision, claiming it was influenced by Chinese pressure on the Somali government. Taiwan strongly protested the move, demanding that Somalia revoke the ban immediately.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a solemn protest against the Somali government’s move, instigated by China, to restrict the freedom and security of travel of our nationals,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry stated.
Somalia Cites U.N. Resolution 2758
Somalia has justified the ban by citing compliance with United Nations Resolution 2758. This resolution, passed in 1971, recognized the government of the People’s Republic of China as the representative of China at the United Nations, replacing Taiwan. The Somali government claims that this aligns with the “One China” policy, which asserts that there is only one China and Taiwan is a part of it.
Taiwan’s Response to the U.N. Resolution
Taiwan, along with the United States, disagrees with this interpretation. Both argue that Resolution 2758 does not make any definitive statements about Taiwan’s political status. Taiwan asserts that China has misinterpreted the resolution to justify its claims over Taiwan. Taiwan’s foreign ministry reiterated that the resolution was about the U.N.’s membership and did not determine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
China’s Influence on Somalia
The ban on Taiwanese passport holders highlights China’s growing influence over Somalia. China, which has extensive economic and political interests in Africa, has exerted considerable pressure on African nations to align with its “One China” policy. This has led to a growing number of countries limiting diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing.
At present, only a few countries maintain official relations with Taiwan, while the majority have switched recognition to China. Somalia’s decision to ban Taiwanese passport holders reflects this broader trend, where African nations often choose to align with Beijing due to economic support and development assistance from China.
Global Reactions
The news has drawn reactions from around the world, with many observing the growing impact of China’s foreign policy on smaller nations. The United States, which maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan, continues to oppose China’s aggressive stance towards Taiwan’s international recognition. U.S. officials have criticized the growing pressure on nations like Somalia to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
Somaliland’s Role in the Dispute
The move by Somalia also underscores the growing geopolitical importance of Somaliland. Although not internationally recognized as an independent state, Somaliland’s recent engagement with Taiwan has caught the attention of global powers. The region’s stability and strategic location have made it a focal point for international diplomacy.
In contrast to Somalia’s reaction, Somaliland’s government has expressed support for closer ties with Taiwan. The region views Taiwan as a key partner in its quest for international recognition and development. The disagreement between Somalia and Somaliland over Taiwan’s involvement in the region is expected to continue as both sides navigate their complex diplomatic relationships.
