Taiwan accuses Kenya of deporting conference delegates on Chinas behalf

Kenya Hosts Global Oceans Conference Amid Controversy Over Deportations

The Our Ocean Conference, hosted by Kenya in Mombasa, has been marred by controversy over the deportation of two Taiwanese scholars who were scheduled to attend the event. According to reports, the scholars’ passports and mobile phones were confiscated after they were detained for more than 20 hours before being deported.

In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions taken by Kenyan immigration authorities, citing violations of human rights and international norms. The ministry also stated that the visas were revoked at the last minute, describing the incident as “barbaric obstruction”.

Kenya has defended its decision to deport the Taiwanese representatives, stating that it recognizes only one China and that any person purporting to hold a Taiwanese passport would not be allowed through its borders due to lack of proper documentation.

The conference, which focuses on addressing critical ocean issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, aims to promote global ocean governance. Organizers have sought to position Africa as a driving force in this effort, with Kenya hosting the event for the first time.

Despite record commitments to marine conservation, much of the world’s ocean protections still exist only on paper. Delegates will be critical in determining whether the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction becomes a transformative tool for ocean conservation or another set of international promises that fail to materialize.

The incident has sparked tensions between Taiwan and Kenya, with Taiwan accusing Beijing of exerting pressure on its East African neighbor. China’s stance on Taiwan is well-documented, having seen the island as its own territory since 1949.

Source: Al Jazeera