Somalia has enforced a ban on the transit and entry of all Taiwanese passport holders. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the measure, which took effect on Wednesday, was introduced under pressure from China.
The ministry protested the decision, accusing Somalia of restricting the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals. It also rejected Somalia’s citation of the 1971 UN resolution recognising Beijing as the sole representative of China and condemned what it described as a misinterpretation to suggest Taiwan is part of China.
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The move comes as Taiwan deepens relations with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region from Somalia. Both territories opened representative offices in each other’s capitals in 2020, a development that angered Mogadishu.
China’s foreign ministry has welcomed Somalia’s action, saying it reaffirms commitment to the One China principle. Beijing also voiced support for Somalia’s claim over Somaliland and opposed any official ties between Taiwan and the breakaway region.
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