Somalia bans entry of Taiwan citizens in bid to please China: Taipei

Somalia has banned all Taiwanese passport holders from entering or transiting through its territory. This ban took effect recently, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry accused China of pressuring Somalia to implement these measures.

On Tuesday evening, Taiwan's ministry stated that Somalia's civil aviation authority informed them last week about the new policy. The ban officially started on Wednesday.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested strongly against Somalia’s actions. They claimed these actions restrict the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals. The ministry demanded that Somalia immediately revoke this notice.

Somalia cited United Nations Resolution 2758 in its announcement. This resolution, passed in 1971, recognized Beijing as the “only lawful representatives of China.” It also invoked the “one China” principle.

Taiwan’s ministry rejected Somalia’s interpretation of the UN resolution. They condemned Mogadishu for creating a false impression that Taiwan is part of China.

This move comes as ties between Taiwan and Somaliland deepen. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not widely recognized. In 2020, both regions opened de facto embassies in each other’s capitals, angering Mogadishu.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun supported Somalia's decision. He called it a legitimate step to protect Somalia’s interests and showed adherence to the one China principle. He added that China opposes any official exchanges between Taiwan and Somaliland.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, lost its UN seat to China in 1971. That year, it was also evicted from the World Health Organization.

Only 11 countries and the Vatican formally recognize Taiwan as a state. However, many nations maintain close unofficial ties with Taiwan, including the United States.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and may use force to assert control over it.

Taiwan’s state news agency reported that the travel restriction is unlikely to have significant effects. Taiwanese nationals rarely visit Somalia; only 16 trips were made from 2016 until February this year.