Taiwan Slams Somalia's Travel Ban on Taiwanese Citizens

Taiwan has issued a firm protest against Somalia after the East African nation implemented a travel ban affecting Taiwanese passport holders, citing concerns over safety and freedom of movement.

Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned Somalia's decision to prohibit entry or transit for Taiwanese passport-holders, which took effect on Wednesday. The ban was prompted by an order from Somali aviation authorities issued a week prior, yet Somalia has remained silent regarding the action. Taiwan's response highlights a growing focus on its ties with Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia that declared independence in 1991 but remains largely unrecognized internationally.

In response to the ban, Taiwan's ministry expressed outrage, claiming it is a move provoked by China aimed at undermining Taiwan's international status. The ministry has called for the immediate revocation of the ban, framing it as an infringement on the travel rights of Taiwanese citizens and a misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 linked to the contentious "one China" rule.

Taiwanese authorities are cautioning citizens against traveling to either Somalia or Somaliland until the situation improves. In contrast, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry praised Somalia's ban as a legitimate demonstration of adherence to the one-China principle.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, possesses its constitution and conducts independent elections, yet it exists under the continuous threat of Chinese assertiveness regarding its sovereignty. Meanwhile, Somaliland has its own governance and elections, amidst a landscape where much of Somalia is plagued by militant activity. Somalia's claim over Somaliland continues to complicate regional dynamics, particularly with external players like Ethiopia engaging with Somaliland on port leasing agreements.