Somaliland's top diplomat in Taiwan stated the region has the right to choose its international relationships, asserting that pressure from Beijing and Mogadishu has not altered its ties with Taipei. The opening of a new Taiwanese office in Somaliland follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland's sovereignty, a move opposed by China and Somalia.
The opening of the Taiwan office in Somaliland highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa and the ongoing diplomatic struggle between China and Taiwan for international recognition and influence.
Somaliland has the right to choose its international relationships, and pressure from Beijing and Mogadishu has not succeeded in altering its friendship with Taipei, Somaliland's top diplomat in Taiwan said on Friday. Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal, speaking at the opening of a new Somaliland office in Taiwan, described the island as a "very important ally."
Somaliland, which has enjoyed effective autonomy since 1991, and Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, established representative offices in each other's capitals in 2020. Galaal stated that Somaliland's main political parties are united in not succumbing to political pressure regarding its ties with Taiwan.
"We have the right to choose who we have relationships with. It's our prerogative, and so it hasn't been successful as far as pressure tactics," Galaal said, adding that his government has not communicated with China recently. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In April last year, Somalia banned entry to Taiwan passport holders to express its anger at the relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan. In December, Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move Somalia termed a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty. China rejected the move, while Taiwan welcomed it.
Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu, speaking at the office opening, said cooperation had expanded across a wide range of areas over the past six years. He stated, "Taiwan and Somaliland are both beacons of democracy, freedom and rule of law."
Taiwan has been largely excluded diplomatically from Africa by China, with only Eswatini maintaining full relations. Taiwan maintains it has the right to engage with other countries and that Beijing has no legal basis to claim the island or represent it on the international stage.