Somalia and Taiwan Impose Travel Bans Amid Diplomatic Row Over Somaliland

Somalia and Taiwan have imposed mutual entry bans on each other’s citizens, intensifying diplomatic tensions linked to Taiwan’s relationship with Somaliland—a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally.

Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi confirmed the decision, accusing Taiwan of “opening unapproved offices” in violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. While he did not specify the offices, Taiwan has maintained diplomatic ties with Somaliland since 2020 and appointed a new envoy there in February.

A Somali Civil Aviation Authority official told the Associated Press that a directive was issued to all airlines on 22 April, instructing them not to carry passengers holding Taiwanese passports for entry, transit, or departure through Somalia. The official, speaking anonymously, noted the ban took effect on 30 April.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, calling it an infringement on the “freedom and safety” of its citizens and urged the Somali government to revoke the measure immediately. The ministry accused Somalia of acting under Chinese pressure to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested Somalia’s action made under the instigation of China,” Taiwan said in a statement, warning its citizens against travelling to Somalia or Somaliland for their safety.

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China Praises Somalia’s Move

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, welcomed Somalia’s action. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the ban a “legitimate measure” that “demonstrates Somalia’s firm adherence to the one-China principle.”

“This reflects Somalia’s sovereignty and lawful rights,” Guo added, reaffirming Beijing’s opposition to any official exchanges between Taiwan and Somaliland.

China has long pressured African nations to align with its “one-China” policy and sever ties with Taiwan. Currently, Eswatini remains Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally on the continent.

Somaliland’s Quest for Recognition

Somaliland, which has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991, has established informal ties with Taiwan, sparking anger in Mogadishu and Beijing. In 2020, both opened representative offices in each other’s capitals.

Despite its autonomy, Somaliland lacks formal recognition from any sovereign state or international body such as the African Union or the United Nations. Somalia continues to consider Somaliland an integral part of its territory.

Tensions have flared in recent years, notably after Ethiopia struck a controversial deal with Somaliland to lease one of its ports, prompting fierce opposition from Somalia. The dispute was later defused through Turkish mediation.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation has deepened as China intensifies its global influence campaigns. Since 1971, when Taiwan lost its United Nations seat to Beijing under Resolution 2758, the island has seen its formal diplomatic allies dwindle to just 11 nations and the Vatican.

While the United States and other countries maintain unofficial relations with Taiwan, Beijing has consistently opposed any form of diplomatic engagement with the self-governed island.

Somalia invoked the UN resolution and the one-China principle in its justification for the ban, which Taiwan denounced as a “misinterpretation” aimed at creating a “false impression that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China.”

Taiwan’s state news agency noted the practical impact of Somalia’s restriction would be minimal, citing government data showing only 16 trips to Somalia by Taiwanese nationals between 2016 and February 2025.

A Diplomatic Stalemate

As Somalia’s travel ban takes effect, analysts suggest the move underscores China’s increasing sway in the Horn of Africa and highlights Taiwan’s precarious diplomatic standing.

While the travel restriction may have little tangible effect on Taiwanese citizens, it marks a symbolic escalation in the geopolitical contest over recognition and sovereignty in Africa.

Neither Somaliland nor Somalia has formally commented on the latest developments.