In a significant diplomatic turnaround, Somalia has rescinded its ban on Taiwanese passport holders entering Somaliland, following intense pressure from the United States. The decision, influenced by the strategic importance of the Republic of Somaliland, comes after a U.S. Senate hearing where Senator Ted Cruz grilled a State Department official about China’s alleged proxy war in Somaliland, which had prompted Somalia to initially block Taiwanese officials from visiting Somaliland.
The ban, imposed in April 2025, was seen as a move driven by China’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic status in Africa. However, after the U.S. warned Somalia that such actions could jeopardize bilateral relations, the Somali government reversed its stance on Taiwanese passport holders.
This development underscores the complex interplay of international relations in the Horn of Africa, where China’s growing influence is met with counteractions from the U.S. and its allies.
A U.S. State Department official confirmed during the hearing that Somalia’s reversal was a direct result of American diplomatic intervention, highlighting ongoing geopolitical competition in the region. This incident also reflects broader tensions, as evidenced by a 2023 American Enterprise Institute report on China’s proxy activities in Somaliland, driven by competition over oil resources and strategic port investments.
As the situation develops, the international community will closely monitor how these diplomatic maneuvers shape the future of U.S.-China relations in Africa and the status of Taiwan’s diplomatic presence on the continent, with the Republic of Somaliland remaining a pivotal player in this geopolitical landscape.