Taiwan’s potential to form a military base in Somaliland, particularly on the coast of Berbera, is part of a bilateral agreement with the Somaliland authorities that is internationally recognized as a region of Somalia. On July 1, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announced that the governments of Taiwan and Somaliland have agreed to establish offices to represent each other, to better serve each other’s interests.
The Taiwan-Somaliland talks began in late 2019, and the first agreement was signed in February this year, when Somaliland Foreign Minister Yasin Hagi Mohamud visited Taipei and met with President Tsai Ing Ingen. It is not known why bilateral relations have been kept secret for such a long time, but it is considered the importance of Taiwan’s relationship with Somaliland to seek to undermine China’s dominance in the Horn of Africa, given that China has close relations with the federal government of Somalia and neighboring Djibouti.
Taiwan and Somaliland have angered China because it is disrupting their campaign to isolate Taiwan. Also, China is skeptical about strengthening ties between Somaliland and Taiwan, as it will give its rivals a base in neighboring China’s military base in Djibouti. The Hargeisa authorities say the second phase of the agreement will allow the Taiwanese military to conduct exercises in Somaliland. As far as Taiwan is working to establish a military base in the important coastal city of Berbera.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that since announcing independence in 1991, three presidential elections have been held and many countries have accepted them as a democratic country in Africa, according to a tweet on Wednesday (July 1st). Wu announced the signing of the bilateral agreement and referred to Somaliland as an independent country in the Horn of Africa.
Taiwan has been working with Somaliland since January 2020, helping to develop the capacity of various ministries and other administrative techniques.
The Root Medical Peace Corps has also assisted in health in Somaliland, sending medical personnel for the third time since January to June 28th. It has also delivered the largest supply of medical equipment for the fight against the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19).
Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Chinese ambassador to Somalia Qin Jian met at the presidential palace and told China that Somalia respects the unity of China.
Somaliland in 2017 signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build a military base in Berbera, and to provide military training and military equipment to Somaliland police and military. However, it follows that it was announced that the UAE will exit the deal in September 2019.