Ambassador Allen C. Lou of Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland
By Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou, Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Somaliland
In today’s interconnected world, crime knows no borders. From cyber fraud and money laundering to human trafficking and organized crime, threats can spread across continents in seconds. No country can tackle these challenges alone.
For Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa, strategically located along the Gulf of Aden and near one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, regional security is closely linked to global stability. Cross-border trafficking, illicit financial flows, and emerging cyber threats remind us that effective international police cooperation is essential.
Taiwan and Somaliland share a commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law. Despite our different circumstances, both understand the importance of meaningful international participation and the value of contributing to global security.
Taiwan has demonstrated its capabilities in combating transnational crime. In 2026, cooperation between Taiwanese and American law enforcement authorities helped uncover a major international fraud and money-laundering operation involving the Prince Holding Group. Taiwan’s investigative achievements earned international recognition through the 2026 Best Egmont Case Award.
Yet Taiwan remains excluded from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for political reasons. Without direct access to INTERPOL’s I-24/7 global police communications system, Taiwan faces unnecessary obstacles to timely intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations. Such gaps weaken our collective ability to respond to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
Article 2 of the INTERPOL Constitution calls for the widest possible mutual assistance among criminal police authorities. This principle should transcend political considerations. Therefore, Taiwan is seeking meaningful participation as an observer in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms, and activities, allowing Taiwan’s police authorities to share expertise, exchange intelligence, and contribute to international security.
From Taipei to Hargeisa, from the Indo-Pacific to the Horn of Africa, our safety is interconnected. By strengthening cooperation and ensuring that capable partners are not left behind, we can build a safer and more resilient world.
For a safer world, chip in with Taiwan!
About the Author
Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou, Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Somaliland
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