Somaliland has strongly condemned the move by the Federal Government of Somalia to ban entry with Taiwanese passports, amid growing tensions between Mogadishu and Beijing.
A statement from the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Somaliland opposes the passport ban, and that the Somali government has no authority over Somaliland’s airspace.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly opposes the Somali government’s decision to ban Taiwanese passports on April 22, 2025, and to illegally impose it on Somaliland’s airspace,” the statement said.
Somaliland said the Taiwan passport ban was a threat to regional peace and stability. It also said that it has full control over its own airspace, and that Somalia has no legal or administrative authority over Somaliland.
“Somaliland’s bilateral relations with countries such as the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on mutual respect and are governed by international law. Any attempt to disrupt or oppose Somaliland’s foreign policy choices is unacceptable.”
The Taiwanese government, which commented on Somalia’s ban on its passport holders, described the move as a move forced on Somalia by China. It has also imposed restrictions on Somali passport holders, banning them from traveling to its territory.
China welcomed Somalia’s ban on Taiwanese passports, describing it as a move that demonstrates Somalia’s adherence to China’s policy of unity.
Relations between Somalia and China are growing stronger by the day, and both sides are united in calling for the severance of Taiwan-Somaliland ties, which they see as a threat to their sovereignty.
