MOFA thanks AU ECOSOCC Presiding Officer Sissoko for defending sovereignty of African nations following postponement of President Lai’s visit to Eswatini

MOFA thanks AU ECOSOCC Presiding Officer Sissoko for defending sovereignty of African nations following postponement of President Lai's visit to Eswatini

• Date：2026-05-04
• Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

May 4, 2026
No.177

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely appreciates and affirms the social media posts made by Mr. Louis Cheick Sissoko, Presiding Officer of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (AU ECOSOCC), on May 3 following the postponement of President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini due to the cancellation of overflight permits by certain African nations.

In his posts, Presiding Officer Sissoko expressed indignation over the recent external interference in the airspace management of the African nations Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. He called on all nations to maintain autonomy in their airspace management.

Presiding Officer Sissoko's posts clearly stressed that concessions could not be made regarding national sovereignty and that the sovereign right of nations to choose their partnerships should be respected. His statements reflected strong support for President Lai's visit and accurately identified the problem of external interference and intimidation aimed at blocking the president's flight. Moreover, they demonstrated African public opinion leaders' firm opposition to external interference and commitment to upholding fairness and justice throughout the world.

MOFA notes that the AU ECOSOCC serves as a dialogue mechanism between the African Union and Africa's civil society and that Presiding Officer Sissoko's public statements explicitly revealed that Africa's civil society has become increasingly aware of the threat to Africa from external hegemonic powers.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan), all African nations, and the African Union attach great importance to national sovereignty and autonomy and remain committed to international relations that are based on the principles of parity and reciprocity.

Taiwan will not yield in the face of underhanded and politically motivated manipulation of aviation and trade in the international arena, as well as efforts to undermine international norms. Instead, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with friendly countries and partners in Africa so as to jointly uphold the principle of equitable engagement, resolutely resist all forms of diplomatic coercion, and safeguard the international order, which is founded on mutual respect and trust. (E)