In a move that significantly escalates tensions in the Horn of Africa, the Federal Government of Somalia has issued a new directive barring holders of Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through its airspace—including the self-declared independent region of Somaliland.
The measure, which came into effect on April 30, 2025, was formalized through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), effectively shutting down Taiwan’s diplomatic mission in the Somaliland capital, Hargeisa.
This latest restriction marks a bold step in Mogadishu’s campaign to reassert control over Somaliland, a territory that has functioned as a de facto independent state since declaring separation from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to gain international recognition.
While Somaliland maintains its own government, currency, and institutions, Somalia retains control over the region’s airspace—a strategic leverage point it is now deploying more aggressively.
The move follows a March 31 directive requiring all airlines flying into Somali airspace, including those destined for Somaliland, to submit detailed passenger manifests in advance.
This policy has granted Mogadishu unprecedented oversight over inbound travelers, enabling it to flag and potentially deny entry to individuals deemed undesirable—including, as now formalized, those carrying passports issued by Taiwan.
The Taiwanese presence in Somaliland has been a sensitive geopolitical issue since the two unrecognized states formalized bilateral ties and opened reciprocal representative offices in 2020.
The relationship has been seen as a defiant assertion of sovereignty by both parties and a diplomatic affront to both China and Somalia, which align with the “One-China” and “One-Somalia” policies, respectively.
The new NOTAM undermines the viability of the Taiwanese office in Hargeisa by potentially blocking the entry of its diplomatic staff and personnel, casting doubt on the future of the Taiwan-Somaliland partnership.
Despite the gravity of the developments, Somaliland’s administration has remained conspicuously silent.
When the passenger manifest requirement was introduced in March, the government failed to issue a formal protest or launch diplomatic countermeasures, effectively allowing Somalia to tighten its administrative hold.
Now, as the passport ban directly threatens one of its key international alliances, the absence of a decisive response has drawn criticism both domestically and abroad.
Observers say the lack of action raises fundamental questions about Somaliland’s capacity—or willingness—to defend its autonomy.
Critics argue that continued inaction could embolden Mogadishu to escalate further, with reports indicating that the Somali government is already preparing additional measures, including visa restrictions on dual nationals from Somaliland and broader legal instruments to delegitimize Somaliland’s engagements with foreign entities.
By exploiting its internationally recognized authority over Somali airspace, Mogadishu appears to be executing a coordinated strategy aimed at isolating Somaliland diplomatically and tightening its administrative grip.
For Somaliland, this moment represents a critical test of its resilience and its diplomatic acumen.
Whether it chooses to mount a counteroffensive or continue on its current path of muted response may shape the trajectory of its decades-long quest for statehood.
As tensions rise and geopolitical stakes increase, all eyes are now on Hargeisa: will Somaliland defend its partnerships and political autonomy, or will it cede further ground in the face of Mogadishu’s expanding influence?
Share This Post