Taiwan Condemns Somalia for Travel Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders

Taiwan denounces Somalia’s travel ban on Taiwanese passport holders, claiming it results from Chinese influence. This ban, effective from Wednesday, complicates Taiwan’s ties with Somaliland and highlights broader tensions regarding Taiwan’s international status. Taiwan urges citizens to avoid travel to Somalia or Somaliland until the ban is lifted.

Taiwan has expressed strong condemnation of Somalia’s recent decision to impose a travel ban on individuals holding Taiwanese passports. This ban, effective starting Wednesday, was set in motion by a directive from Somalia’s aviation authorities the previous week, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry. As of now, Somalia has not provided an official response to the ban, which occurs during a period of increasing engagement between Taiwan and Somaliland, a self-declared but largely unrecognized state that separated from Somalia 34 years ago.

The Somali civil aviation authority issued a notification to airlines stating that Taiwanese passports would “no longer be valid for entry into or transit through the Federal Republic of Somalia” as of April 30, according to a statement released by Taiwan’s foreign ministry. This action has been criticized by Taiwan, which claims that it is a result of pressure from China, reflecting the broader tensions related to Taiwan’s status and international recognition.

In its response, Taiwan’s foreign ministry lodged a formal protest, characterizing Somalia’s actions as a restriction on the travel freedoms and safety of its nationals. They have urged the Somali government to immediately rescind the order. The ministry also denounced Somalia’s perceived “misinterpretation” of UN Resolution 2758, saying that the resolution should not be conflated with the one-China principle advocated by Beijing. Taiwanese authorities cautioned citizens against traveling to Somalia or Somaliland until the situation is rectified, according to local media reports.

It is important to remember that Taiwan operates with its own government and constitution and conducts regular multiparty elections. Meanwhile, China continues to assert that Taiwan is a part of its territory and has threatened to use force to assert control over the island, further complicating Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts as it is only recognized by a limited number of countries.

Somaliland, though not recognized by any other sovereign nations, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the fall of the dictatorial regime led by General Mohamed Siad Barre. While Somaliland holds regular elections, substantial portions of Somalia remain under the control of the militant group al-Shabab, which has affiliations with al-Qaeda, contributing to ongoing instability in the region. The central government in Somalia views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory and has criticized Ethiopia for engaging in agreements with Somaliland over port leases, further straining regional relations.

In summary, Taiwan has condemned Somalia’s decision to bar Taiwanese passport holders from entry, viewing it as politically motivated and influenced by China. This diplomatic rift highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding Taiwan’s international recognition and relationships with regions like Somaliland. Taiwan’s foreign ministry has taken measures to warn its citizens, emphasizing the need for safety amidst an increasingly tense geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: www.bbc.com