Somalia’s government has strongly rejected reports suggesting it struck a secret agreement with Sweden, linking development aid to the deportation of Somali nationals. Officials described the allegations as “false, misleading, and unfounded,” insisting that the country has no conditional arrangements of this nature with any international partner.
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Mogadishu clarified that all cooperation with Sweden is long-standing, transparent, and guided by international law. “Somalia has no secret or conditional arrangement with any partner concerning the return of its nationals or the allocation of development assistance,” the statement read.
The denial comes after media reports claimed Somalia agreed to accept citizens deported from Sweden in exchange for development aid directed to a project near the prime minister’s office. Government sources emphasized that such claims are baseless and do not reflect the reality of bilateral relations.
Somalia highlighted that all international cooperation is conducted through formal diplomatic channels, overseen by the cabinet to guarantee accountability and transparency. Development aid, the statement explained, is managed through recognised institutions like the World Bank, United Nations agencies, and Somalia’s financial system.
Officials stressed that no external partner can attach migration or deportation conditions to aid without proper cabinet and parliamentary approval. “Our partnerships are based on respect and transparency,” the statement added, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to international norms.
Sweden is home to nearly 70,000 Somali nationals as of 2024, many of whom arrived fleeing conflict, while others settled through asylum or family reunification. Debates over deportation and integration have periodically emerged in Sweden, especially amid tightening migration policies across Europe.
Neither Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs nor its development agency has publicly responded to the reports. Meanwhile, Somalia insists that its international engagements strictly follow diplomatic procedures and national development priorities, ensuring that aid supports stability, growth, and institutional reform.
