Despite being effectively excluded from global health management networks and having limited resources due their forced isolation, de facto states have shown their capacity to take action to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in their territories. This piece highlights how some de facto states have responded (information as of 13th March).
By displaying their ability to respond to the pandemic, de facto states have shown their capacity to function like, if not better than, recognized states. While some, like Taiwan, have responded quickly whilst working to maintain a state of normalcy, others, like Abkhazia and Kurdistan, have gone into isolation. Despite potential critique against some measures, most de facto states should be commended for taking measures to limit the spread of covid-19. Lastly, other states, who unfortunately also have their hands full, could take this as an opportunity to engage with the de facto states and collectively work to manage this pandemic.
Abkhazia & South Ossetia
In South Ossetia, five individuals are under observation, but no positive cases have been reported (12th March). Abkhazia has not reported positive cases either (12th March). In response to the crisis, Abkhazian authorities have sealed off its border to all individuals requiring a visa (thus in practice allowing only Russian nationals to enter) and has closed the border with Georgia until 7 April. South Ossetia has banned nationals from over 60 countries, including Georgians, and in effect has closed the border with Georgia. The closing of the border has affected ethnic Georgians of Abkhazia who had crossed to the Georgian side before the closure.
Georgia has declared its willingness to help Abkhazian and South Ossetian authorities. However, Abkhazia and South Ossetia have called Georgia’s moves a PR stunt and stated that they are not planning to cooperate with Georgia. Both regions are relying on Russia to manage the crisis and have included the request for humanitarian medical aid.
Abkhazia has canceled all mass-events and all official foreign travel (until 7 April) and has closed its schools (until 22 March). Health services have been mobilized in both regions, with South Ossetia opening up a hotline and a crisis management center. Abkhazia has also established a crisis center.
Abkhazia is scheduled to have its presidential election on 22nd March. No changes have been made.
Kosovo
Kosovo reported its first cases on 13 March. As preventative measures, the government of Kosovo has closed its borders to non-Kosovar citizens and suspended public transport, including air travel. All returning Kosovars are being put to self-quarantine for 15 days. Similar to Northern Cyprus, all non-essential public institutions, non-essential businesses, educational institutions and public events are to be closed. All private sector employees are required to work from home.
Kurdistan (Iraqi)
According to the official website, Kurdistan has confirmed 28 cases (13th March), and in response has taken several measures including imposing a curfew in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah (until 15th March).
Medical screening will be carried out at points of entry, limited border crossings will remain open, and foreign travelers arriving from affected regions will be banned. On arrival, visas have been suspended for certain countries. All Kurdish region citizens based in Iraq have been ordered to return by the 16th of March. Flights between Iran, Syria, Bagdad, and Basra have been suspended.
A travel ban has been enforced between the Kurdistan Region and federal Iraqi provinces (14th-28th March). Authorities have suspended public transport between provinces and banned non-essential travel within the Kurdish region. All persons originating from Kurdistan are requested to not return to the Kurdistan region during the crisis.
Authorities have also suspended public and social events, (until further notice) and educational institutions (until 24th March). A hotline has been installed.
Nagorno-Karabakh
No positive cases have been reported in the region (as of 13th March). Educational institutions remain closed (until 22nd March).
Northern Cyprus
While the TRNC authorities initially only restricted travelers from the highly affected countries, on 13th March the government decided to only allow TRNC nationals and residents to enter the country, from all border crossings, including flights from Turkey (until 1st April), and those who return will be monitored. Two (Akyar/Strovilia and Yeşilırmak/Limnitis) crossings with the Republic of Cyprus will be temporarily closed (until 22nd March). Previously the Republic of Cyprus also closed four crossing points with the North. All non-essential public sector employees are put on administrative leave and non-essential businesses, educational institutions, public-events, will be closed. Gloves, medical masks, disinfectants, antiseptics, and alcohol have been labeled as controlled substances. Those attempting to hoard or sell the goods at inflated prices are to be prosecuted.
Taiwan
Taiwan, despite its proximity and connectivity to China, has been commended for effectively manage the crisis. Thus far, Taiwan has had less than 50 cases (13th March). The MFA website provides up to date information. Travelers from Europe and UAE will be required to home-quarantine upon arrival in Taiwan. Taiwan also banned entry to non-Taiwanese nationals from China (PRC). Taiwan has taken proactive measures including canceling mass-events, practicing social distancing, setting up a command center, mass-testing, and banning the export of essential medical supplies.
Transnistria
No cases have been reported in Transnistria (as of 13th March), but the authorities are taking steps to prevent potential transmissions. From the 13th March, the whole nation has been placed under quarantine. All mass gatherings and educational activities have been suspended. Transnistrian authorities have mandated all individuals crossing the border to fill in an epidemiological card, and are requested to self-quarantine. Transnistrians have been requested to avoid all non-essential travel. Similar to South Ossetia, a hotline has been established.
Discussions have occurred between Transnistrian and Moldovan authorities concerning the crisis. Transnistrian citizens also possess either Russian, Ukrainian or Moldovan citizenships, and use the Chisinau airport as the main transit point. However, on the 10th of March Moldova began closing its borders to non-nationals and non-residents, as a result potentially restricting several Transnistrian citizens returning home (until March 31st). However, following bilateral discussion, Moldovan authorities have stated that Transnistrian citizens will be able to transit through Moldova. Ukraine, which also borders Transnistria, has closed its borders to non-nationals (until March 29th). Ukraine, a major supplier of medicine to Transnistria, has banned the export of medical goods. If the situation would get worse, there is a possibility that Transnistria would end up becoming fully under blockade.
Ramesh Ganohariti is a PhD student of the School of Law and Government of the Dublin City University and one of De Facto’s explorers.