Taipei – Taiwan has strongly condemned Somalia’s recent decision to ban travelers holding Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through its territory, calling the move politically motivated and a violation of citizens’ rights.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ban, which took effect on Wednesday, followed a directive issued last week by Somalia’s civil aviation authorities. As of April 30, airlines were instructed not to allow Taiwanese passport holders to enter or transit through Somalia.
Somalia has yet to publicly comment on the decision. The ban comes amid growing ties between Taiwan and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the international community.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the Somali Civil Aviation Authority had issued a “clear notice” to airlines, stating that Taiwanese passports would no longer be accepted for travel to or through the Federal Republic of Somalia.
“The Ministry strongly protests the Somali government’s decision, which was clearly instigated by China. This move severely restricts the freedom of movement and personal safety of Taiwanese citizens,” the statement read. “We urge Somalia to immediately revoke this discriminatory policy.”
Taiwan also criticized what it called Somalia’s “misinterpretation” of UN Resolution 2758, accusing Mogadishu of incorrectly linking the resolution to the “One China” principle.
The ministry advised Taiwanese nationals to avoid all travel to Somalia and Somaliland until the restriction is lifted.
Neither Somalia nor Somaliland has issued an official response so far.
Meanwhile, China welcomed Somalia’s decision, calling it a “legitimate measure” that demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to the One China principle. “We highly appreciate this action,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday, as reported by AFP.
Taiwan operates under its own constitution and holds democratic elections, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control.
Due to intense diplomatic pressure from Beijing, Taiwan – officially known as the Republic of China – is recognized by only a handful of countries.
Somaliland, on the other hand, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of President Siad Barre’s regime. Though it functions with its own government and institutions, it remains unrecognized internationally. The Somali federal government continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its territory and recently condemned a port agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
HORN LIFE
