MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government has reversed a ban on Taiwanese passport holders entering the country, in a move widely seen as a response to mounting pressure from the United States.
The ban, imposed in April, cited what Somali authorities called Taiwan’s interference in its domestic affairs and growing support for the self-declared Republic of Somaliland – a breakaway region that declared independence in 1991.
The US, a key ally of Somalia, criticized the decision, viewing it as a tilt towards Beijing. China considers Taiwan a renegade province and opposes any international recognition of its sovereignty.
Briefing the US Senate, a senior State Department official welcomed Somalia’s policy shift.
“I am pleased that the Somali government has reversed its passport ban and resumed recognition of Taiwan’s travel documents,” the official said.
“Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community. The way a country treats Taiwan signals whether it wants meaningful relations with the United States.”
While Somalia does not formally recognize Taiwan, the issue has taken on geopolitical significance amid intensifying competition between China and the United States in Africa.
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