By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Taipei (Mogadishu24)-Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that a delegation led by the Chairman of Somaliland National Electoral Commission, Mr. Musa Hassan Yousuf, will visit Taiwan on January 3rd, 2024.
During the visit, the chairman will meet with the acting Deputy Director-General of West Asian and African Affairs, Chen Yung-po.
He will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu and visit Taiwan’s Central Election Commission, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice, and the international affairs departments of major political parties. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
In a press conference, the acting director-general Chen Yung-po stated that “the visit will focus on enhancing mutual understanding, particularly on democracy and electoral issues.”
He emphasized that these discussions will provide Somaliland with valuable knowledge and expertise in electoral procedures, regulations, administration coordination, and engagement with relevant parties.
According to the statement, the chairman of the electoral commission will attend a banquet hosted by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Remus Li-Kuo Chen. The delegation will also meet with civic organizations to understand public participation in Taiwan’s democratic system and their vital role in the political field.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to long-term relations with Somaliland while advocating for democratic values.
Somaliland is expected to hold its elections in November 2024 after prolonged delays and term extensions, leading to armed violence in some regions such as Sahel and Sool.
Somaliland, the northern region of Somalia colonized by the British, has been striving for recognition as an independent nation for the past 32 years. Compared to other parts of Somalia, it has established a more peaceful government and environment, especially in the aftermath of the 1991 civil war.
However, the secession movement does not enjoy unanimous support from all communities and tribes within Somaliland.
Similarly, Taiwan, an island separated from China, has had political independence from the Republic of China since 1949 and has been governed independently.
Despite their similarities, both breakaway republics have been striving for international recognition as independent states but are yet to achieve any positive impacts.
