Taiwan condemns Somalia travel ban

Taiwan has condemned Somalia for banning travelers with Taiwanese passports.

The ban started on Wednesday after an order from Somali aviation authorities. Taiwan's foreign ministry announced this information.

Somalia has not commented on the ban yet. This comes as Taiwan strengthens ties with Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia 34 years ago. Somaliland remains mostly unrecognized internationally.

In 2020, Somaliland and Taiwan opened embassies in each other's capitals. This move angered both China and Somalia.

Somalia's civil aviation authority notified airlines that Taiwanese passports are no longer valid for entry or transit through Somalia starting April 30. Taiwan's foreign ministry released a statement about this notice.

Taiwan's foreign ministry strongly protested the ban. They believe it restricts the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals. The ministry demanded that Somalia revoke the notice immediately.

They condemned Somalia's "misinterpretation" of UN Resolution 2758 related to the "one China" principle. The ministry advised Taiwanese citizens against traveling to Somalia or Somaliland for their safety until the ban is lifted.

Neither Somaliland nor Somalia has provided comments on this issue.

China expressed strong support for the ban, calling it a "legitimate measure." Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said it reflects Somalia's commitment to the one-China principle.

Taiwan operates under its own constitution and holds regular elections to choose leaders. However, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and threatens force if necessary.

Due to China's diplomatic efforts, only a few countries recognize Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of General Mohamed Siad Barre’s regime. It is not recognized by any other sovereign state but holds regular elections.

Many areas of Somalia are controlled by al-Shabab militants linked to al-Qaeda.

Somalia views Somaliland as part of its territory and criticized Ethiopia for leasing a port to Somaliland authorities.