Somalia denies secret deportation deal with Sweden

The Federal Government of Somalia has denied reports from Swedish media claiming that it secretly reached an agreement with Sweden to accept the return of Somali nationals in exchange for nearly $10 million (Sh1.3 billion) in development aid.

In a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister, the government dismissed the reports as false and misleading. It said there was no agreement, formal or informal, between Somalia and Sweden that linked the return of Somali citizens to financial or development assistance.

“These accusations are fabricated, misleading, and have no basis or evidence whatsoever. There is no secret or conditional agreement that Somalia has entered into with any country regarding the return of its citizens or the distribution of development assistance,” read part of the statement.

The statement followed a report aired by Sweden’s public broadcaster Ekot, which alleged that officials from both countries had concluded a confidential arrangement in late 2023.

According to the Swedish report, Sweden had agreed to provide Somalia with about 100 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately Sh1.3 billion, in development support.

In return, the Somali government would allegedly agree to take back Somali nationals facing deportation from Sweden, including individuals convicted of crimes.

The Somali government rejected those claims and said that its cooperation with Sweden is based on mutual respect, international law, and transparent diplomatic engagement.

The press release said that the relationship between the two nations is long-standing and guided by legal and accountable processes.

“The relationship between Somalia and Sweden is long-standing and built on respect and international legal principles,” the statement read. “All cooperation and negotiations are conducted transparently at a diplomatic level, under the supervision of the Council of Ministers and in line with accountability to government institutions.”

The Office also clarified that all development aid and projects implemented in Somalia follow open procedures that involve multiple international partners.

It said that Somalia’s aid management system operates under frameworks established by global institutions.

The statement added that all projects are handled through recognised international mechanisms, saying, “All development aid and projects that Somalia receives are managed and implemented transparently through established frameworks such as the World Bank, the United Nations, and the national financial systems of the Federal Government.”

Reports from Swedish media said the alleged deal had caused tension between the two governments earlier this year after Sweden’s head of aid operations in Mogadishu was declared persona non grata.

According to the reports, the dispute emerged after disagreements over delayed funding transfers related to the alleged arrangement. The Somali government did not address that specific issue but maintained that all diplomatic interactions are guided by law and proper procedure.

In Sweden, the claims have led to political discussions, with some members of parliament demanding explanations from the government about how aid and migration policies are managed.

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Swedish Development Minister Benjamin Dousa said there was no agreement and that no funds were sent directly to Somali political offices.

“No money has gone to the prime minister’s office; it has never been on the table to support politicians directly.” He also said that Sweden “never gives direct support to politicians or the state” because such an approach would increase the risk of corruption.

The Somali government reaffirmed that it has not entered into any secret or conditional deal with Sweden or any other country. It said that all its partnerships with international donors are based on mutual respect and clear legal frameworks.

“The Federal Government of Somalia completely denies these reports and reiterates that its cooperation with all international partners is based on transparency, accountability, and mutual respect,” it said.