Somalia: Somali Government Bans Taiwan Passport Over Somaliland Visit Plans

The Federal Government of Somalia has banned Taiwan passports. This decision is due to security and sovereignty concerns. It follows unapproved diplomatic plans by Taiwanese officials to visit Somaliland.

Somalia's new Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, explained the reasons for this ban. He stated that senior Taiwanese officials planned to travel to Somaliland without consulting Somalia's government.

"Taiwan intended to visit Somaliland without informing us," said Minister Fiqi. He called this a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and unity. He stressed that all diplomatic activities must be approved by Mogadishu.

Minister Fiqi, a former Foreign Minister, accused Taiwan of promoting division among Somalis. He claimed Taiwan seeks independent ties with Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory.

"We see Taiwan as a political and security threat," he added. "They support the fragmentation of the Somali nation." The Somali Immigration Department announced that Taiwan passports will no longer be accepted in the country.

In response, Taiwan imposed a travel ban on Somali passport holders. This escalated the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two sides. Both Taiwan and Somaliland condemned the ban as a political move against international cooperation.

This situation has increased tensions in the Horn of Africa. Issues of recognition and national integrity remain highly contentious in this region.