In a controversial move with significant diplomatic implications, Somalia recently announced a ban on the use of Taiwanese passports.
This ban is applied on entry, transit, or departure through its territory.
The decision, framed under Somalia’s support for One China policy, has triggered international reactions and intensified scrutiny on China’s influence in Africa and the evolving Taiwan-Somaliland relationship.
Somalia Ban on Taiwanese Passports Enforces One China Policy
Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority issued an official directive on April 22, 2025.
Through which it is prohibiting passengers with Taiwanese passports from using Somali airspace or territory.
Somali authorities justified the move by citing UN Resolution 2758, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal representative of China at the United Nations.
The Somali government accused Taiwan of infringing on its sovereignty by engaging in diplomatic relations with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region lacking international recognition.
Taiwan’s Condemnation and Reciprocal Action
In swift response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned Somalia’s decision.
It labelled it as a result of Chinese political pressure.
Taiwan denounced the ban as a violation of freedom of movement and personal liberty, and in turn imposed a reciprocal ban on Somali passport holders.
Taiwan also urged the international community and human rights advocates to stand against what it called politically motivated travel restrictions, calling on global institutions to uphold democratic values and individual freedoms.
China Praises Somalia’s Decision
The Chinese government publicly endorsed Somalia’s move.
Calling it a reaffirmation of One China principle.
Chinese officials reiterated their opposition to Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach to Somaliland, framing such ties as threats to China’s territorial integrity.
U.S. Lawmakers Voice Concern
In the United States, congressional representatives Tom Tiffany and Andy Ogles expressed concern over Somalia’s alignment with China on the issue.
They argued that the ban jeopardizes freedom of travel and signals growing Chinese diplomatic influence in the Horn of Africa.
The lawmakers urged Somalia to reverse the ban and called for stronger U.S. support of Taiwan’s global engagement.
Somaliland and Taiwan: A Growing Partnership
Since 2020, Somaliland and Taiwan have maintained close ties, with representative offices established in both Hargeisa and Taipei.
Somaliland officials strongly criticized the Somali ban, describing it as a move to suppress legitimate international cooperation and development.
Taiwan-Somaliland partnership continues to grow, with Taiwan investing in healthcare, agriculture, ICT, and vocational training across Somaliland.
Read also: Why the U.S. Struggles to Defeat al-Shabaab in Somalia
General African Position
The vast majority of African countries have not publicly commented on Somalia decision to ban Taiwanese Passports.
This reflects a broader diplomatic trend of recognizing the PRC over Taiwan.
China’s robust economic partnerships and development aid across Africa have heavily influenced this stance.
Countries such as Burkina Faso and Malawi have recently switched recognition from Taiwan to the PRC, further isolating Taipei diplomatically on the continent.
Somalia Ban on Taiwanese Passports – Geopolitical Significance
Somalia ban on Taiwanese passports has intensified geopolitical debates on China’s expanding influence in Africa and Taiwan’s attempts to forge alternative diplomatic pathways.
While most African governments stay silent or align with China, Somaliland and Eswatini represent exceptions in a landscape dominated by economic pragmatism and political allegiance to Beijing.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely.
The implications go beyond Somalia and Taiwan, affecting broader discussions on diplomatic recognition, national sovereignty, and the future of international alliances in Africa and beyond.
