Somalia banned Taiwan's passport over FM’s planned Somaliland visit to boost separatism: ex-minister

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The former immediate Somali foreign minister defends the Taiwan passport ban, accuses Taipei of backing Somaliland separatism, which he said is a threat to the country's unity and sovereignty. 

Ahmed Moalim Fiqi on Saturday said the government’s recent decision to ban Taiwanese passports was prompted by a planned visit by Taiwan’s foreign minister to the self-declared republic of Somaliland — a move Mogadishu views as bolstering separatist ambitions in the northern region.

Speaking during the official handover of his office at the ministry, Fiqi said the Taiwanese visit was intended to “strengthen secessionist efforts” and accused Taipei of posing a direct threat to Somalia’s territorial integrity.

“Taiwan has trained forces within Somaliland, some of whom took part in the deadly clashes in the Sool region in 2023, where many civilians were killed,” he said.

Fiqi denied that China, which does not recognize Taiwan and opposes any international engagement with the island, pressured the Somali government into the decision. “No external pressure was involved,” he said. “Any entity that threatens our sovereignty and unity will be treated equally.”

Fiqi has since been appointed Somalia’s minister of defence. His tenure at the foreign ministry saw a shift in Somalia’s diplomatic posture, with key foreign policy decisions increasingly influenced by powerful allies such as Turkey and Egypt, both of whom enjoy close ties with senior Somali officials.

Among the most controversial agreements signed during his time in office was a 2023 oil and gas exploration deal with Turkey, which grants Ankara 90% of revenues from natural resources extracted off Somalia’s coast — a deal that has sparked widespread criticism from Somali civil society and opposition groups.

There was no immediate comment from Taiwanese or Somaliland officials regarding Fiqi’s statements.

GAROWE ONLINE