TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After pressure from the US, Somalia lifted its ban on Taiwan passport holders this week.
The Somalian government said in April it would not recognize Taiwan passports, citing its “one China” principle. The move drew strong criticism from the US, which launched a diplomatic campaign to pressure the government in Mogadishu to reverse course.
The Somali Guardian reported on Wednesday that Somalia responded to US diplomatic efforts and decided to lift its ban on Taiwanese travelers. The decision was a matter of “geopolitical significance” related to the competition between the US and China for influence in Africa, reported Somalian outlet Garowe Online.
An unnamed US State Department official was quoted saying, “I am pleased that the Somali government has reversed its passport ban and resumed recognition of Taiwan’s travel documents.” Noting that Taiwan is a “responsible member of the international community,” the official said the way a country treats Taiwan is an indicator of whether that country wants meaningful relations with the US.
A major contention between Taiwan and Somalia is Taipei’s diplomatic relationship with Somaliland, an independent state that Mogadishu views as a breakaway province. Taiwan has provided a significant amount of aid to Somaliland to develop infrastructure and to train police and security forces.
The day after Somalia resumed recognition of Taiwan’s travel documents, Taiwan provided a US$2.5 million (NT$73.8 million) humanitarian grant to the nation of Somaliland, per the Somaliland Standard.
