The Federal Government of Somalia has officially banned the entry of individuals using Taiwanese passports, according to a statement released by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Somali authorities justified the decision as aligning with a longstanding United Nations resolution. However, Taiwan has accused Somalia of acting under pressure from the Chinese government, highlighting growing geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa.
This development comes at a time when Taiwan has been strengthening its ties with Somaliland — a self-declared independent region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry reported that Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a directive on April 29, stating that from April 30 onward, Taiwanese passport holders would no longer be allowed entry into Somalia.
“We strongly protest Somalia’s decision, which we believe is influenced by China and undermines the freedom and safety of our citizens,” Taiwan’s statement read. “We call for the immediate reversal of this discriminatory action.”
The Somali government has not publicly responded to media inquiries or Taiwan’s protest regarding the ban.
According to Taiwan, the notice was also circulated to airlines operating in Somalia to ensure compliance with United Nations Resolution 2758. This 1971 resolution recognized the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China at the UN, effectively removing Taiwan from its seat under the “One China” policy.
While China insists the resolution supports its claim over Taiwan, both Taiwan and the United States argue that it does not address Taiwan’s future or its democratic governance.
