Xaaji Xunjuf Posted yesterday at 06:34 PM U.S. lawmakers warn Somalia of consequences over Taiwan passport ban 97 SharesFacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail Friday May 2, 2025 Washington (HOL) — Two U.S. lawmakers have urged Somalia to reverse its decision to invalidate Taiwan-issued passports, warning of severe diplomatic and immigration-related consequences if the policy is not rescinded. In a letter sent Thursday to Somalia's ambassador in Washington, Representatives Tom Tiffany and Andy Ogles condemned the Somali government's recent move to ban the use of Taiwanese passports for entry, exit, or transit through Somalia. They described the decision as a concession to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. The lawmakers warned that Somalia's stance could trigger retaliatory actions from the United States, including revoking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, halting visa services, and freezing future bilateral aid. They also raised the possibility of shuttering Somalia's embassy in Washington and expelling its diplomatic staff. "If the Somali government insists on acting as little more than a branch office of the Chinese Communist Party, there is no reason for the United States to continue to pretend that it is independent, legitimate, or worthy of U.S. recognition," the lawmakers wrote. Their warning follows a notice issued by Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority on April 22, declaring all passports and travel documents issued by Taiwan or its affiliated institutions invalid for entry into, exit from, or transit through Somalia starting April 30. Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, told the Associated Press that the decision was in response to Taiwan's "opened unapproved offices," which he described as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty. Although he did not name a specific office, Taiwan has maintained formal ties with Somaliland since 2020 and appointed a new envoy to Hargeisa earlier this year. An official working in Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that notice was issued to all airlines on April 22, "instructing them not to carry passengers holding Taiwanese passports for entry, transit or departure through Somalia." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Taiwan's foreign ministry has denounced Somalia's move, describing it as being orchestrated by Beijing and "based on a misinterpretation" of U.N. Resolution 2758, which the Chinese government cites to support its "One China" policy. The letter from Tiffany and Ogles adds a new layer of diplomatic pressure as the United States weighs its own complex relations with both Taiwan and Somalia. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xaaji Xunjuf Posted yesterday at 06:35 PM sanab cabuudki wey yeesheen somalia xalaadu wa bariga dhexe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
