Kenya deports Taiwanese scholars at China's urging

Kenya deports Taiwanese scholars from oceans conference, Taiwan protests

6 reported

Taiwan has accused Kenya of human rights abuses against Taiwanese nationals attending a global oceans conference in Mombasa, blaming China for pressuring the East African country. According to Taiwan’s foreign ministry, the scholars had their passports and mobile phones confiscated and were detained for more than 20 hours before being deported. In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned what it described as China’s pressure on Kenya to refuse Taiwanese scholars’ attendance, as well as the confiscation of documents and restriction of freedoms. Kenya defended its decision, with Foreign Ministry Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei stating that Kenya’s foreign policy recognizes only one China and that anyone holding a Taiwanese passport would not be allowed through borders for lacking proper documentation. The annual oceans conference in Mombasa focuses on climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, with hundreds of delegates from Africa, the U.S., the European Union, and island nations participating. The article notes that China and Taiwan split in 1949 due to a civil war, and China has long considered Taiwan its own territory.

What’s reported

Taiwan accused Kenya of human rights abuses against Taiwanese nationals attending a global oceans conference in Mombasa.

Taiwan blamed China for pressuring Kenya to deny entry and deport the scholars.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said passports and mobile phones were confiscated and the scholars were detained for more than 20 hours before deportation.

Kenya’s Foreign Ministry Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said Kenya’s foreign policy recognizes only one China and that Taiwanese passport holders would not be allowed entry.

The oceans conference in Mombasa addresses climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, with hundreds of delegates from Africa, the U.S., the EU, and island nations.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 due to a civil war, and China sees Taiwan as its own territory.