The prohibition commenced on April 1, as announced by Somali aviation authorities last week. Taiwan’s foreign ministry suspects that China influenced this decision, as it regards Taiwan as part of its territory. In a statement, the ministry expressed strong objections to Somalia’s actions, which it claims were instigated by China, aimed at limiting the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese citizens, and has urged the Somali government to promptly rescind the notice.
To date, Somalia has not commented on the ban, while China has praised the action, interpreting it as a demonstration of support for the ‘one-China principle.’ A spokesperson for the Chinese government described the ban as ‘a legitimate measure.’ This ban may be linked to Taiwan’s close relationship with Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates its own government, though it lacks official recognition from any nation. In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland established embassies in each other’s capitals, provoking anger from both China and Somalia.
Taiwan, a self-governing island with its own political system, laws, and elections, is not officially recognized as a separate nation by most countries due to Chinese pressure. Taiwanese officials are currently advising against travel to Somalia or Somaliland until the ban is lifted.
