According to sources briefed on the matter, the President of the Republic of Somaliland HE Muse Bihi Abdi appointed a Representative to the Republic of China more commonly known as Taiwan.
The relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan has been developing for some time and includes high-level visits from Taiwanese government delegation and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation paying a visit to the East Asian nation.
Sources add that that the Taiwanese government has established presence in Somaliland earlier this year and is closely collaborating a number of ministries on capacity building and other technical areas.
Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps who has previously sent a large contingent of medical professionals to Somaliland has sent the largest and valuable COVID-19 medical supplies to Somaliland on Sunday.
Despite Taiwan’s unrecognized status, it enjoys a very strong relationship with the United States of America. Multiple US laws including the Taiwan Relations Act of 1976 and the more recent TAIPEI act show Taiwan’s importance to the US.
It is unclear why Somaliland government has kept this important relationship under wraps for this long but officials who did not want to be named for discussing a sensitive subject stressed the significance of a Somaliland – Taiwan relationship and indicated that Somaliland is working with many nations around the world but prefers quiet diplomacy.
The People’s Republic of China who has become a major player in Africa in terms of direct development projects has no relationship with the Republic of Somaliland.
Although the new Representative’s identity is not yet confirmed, sources tell Somaliland Chronicle it is a current member of Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs team.
It is unclear an expected reshuffle by President Bihi will make significant changes to his government especially to the Foreign Services team or if the new Representative to Taiwan will be announced in these upcoming changes.
Efforts to reach the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Yasin Hagi Mohamoud Hiir (Faratoon) for confirmation on the appointment were unsuccessful.
