Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has officially revealed today the reasons behind the Federal Government’s decision to ban the use of Taiwan passports for entry into Somalia. He made the remarks during a handover ceremony held today in Mogadishu.

Minister Fiqi stated that the decision was rooted in Taiwan’s continued support to politicians in Somaliland and its implementation of projects that he said threaten Somalia’s national unity. He pointed out that Taiwan had planned an official visit to Somaliland by its Foreign Minister — an act Fiqi described as reinforcing secessionist ambitions.

“Taiwan has established what it calls an embassy in Somaliland and has trained military officers who participated in recent clashes in the region. Their identities are known. They posed a threat, and we took preventive action,” said the Minister.

He added that Somalia’s decision was entirely sovereign and not dictated by any external power, including China, though Somalia firmly supports the “One China Policy” that opposes recognition of Taiwan.

“Our decision stems from our national political principles and duty to protect Somalia’s territorial integrity. As such, Taiwan passports are now completely banned from being used to enter Somalia, from border to border,” Minister Fiqi affirmed.

This announcement comes as diplomatic relations between Somalia and China continue to grow stronger, with Somalia consistently endorsing China’s stance on the Taiwan issue.