Faith Nyasuguta
Somalia has officially barred holders of Taiwan-issued passports from entering, exiting, or transiting through its territory, citing adherence to the “One China” policy and United Nations Resolution 2758. The directive, announced by Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority on April 22, takes effect on April 30 and will prohibit Taiwanese nationals from accessing Somalia’s airspace and borders.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned the move, claiming Somalia acted under pressure from Beijing. “Somalia is acting at China’s instigation,” MOFA stated, accusing China of manipulating international partners to isolate Taiwan on the world stage. Taiwan further warned its citizens to avoid travel to Somalia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland due to increased uncertainty and diplomatic restrictions.
MOFA also criticized Somalia’s interpretation of UN Resolution 2758, arguing that while the resolution granted China the UN seat in 1971, it does not confirm Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. “The resolution only addresses China’s representation in the United Nations, it does not validate China’s claim that Taiwan is part of its territory,” MOFA emphasized.
The ban comes at a time of heightened diplomatic friction, especially with Taiwan maintaining a diplomatic office in Somaliland, a region that broke away from Somalia in 1991. Though Somaliland is not internationally recognized, it has built a reputation for democratic governance and political stability, holding several peaceful elections over the past decade.
Taiwan’s government has pledged continued support for Somaliland, calling it a like-minded ally committed to democratic ideals. “This is not just a travel ban, it is a broader attempt to limit international exchanges between democratic partners,” MOFA said. The ministry added that Somalia’s actions were damaging to regional cooperation and undermined dialogue between partners striving for development and peace.
WHAT IS THE “ONE CHINA” POLICY?
The “One China” policy is a diplomatic stance upheld by Beijing asserting that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of it. Under this doctrine, countries seeking diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China must sever official relations with Taiwan.
UN Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, granted the People’s Republic of China the seat at the United Nations previously held by the Republic of China (Taiwan). However, the resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan’s sovereignty or status.
As China expands its global influence, the “One China” policy has increasingly become a litmus test for international alliances, pushing smaller nations like Somalia to take sides, often under intense diplomatic or economic pressure.
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