Somalia Slams ‘Secret Deal’ Claims, Rejects Swedish Aid-for-Deportation Allegations

Somalia’s government has firmly denied allegations that it entered into a secret agreement with Sweden to accept deported Somali nationals in exchange for redirected development aid.
In an official statement, the Office of the Prime Minister rejected claims that Somalia received $9 million in Swedish aid as part of a covert deal. There is “no secret or conditional arrangement with any partner concerning the return of its nationals or the allocation of development assistance,” the statement read, calling the media reports “false, misleading, and unfounded.” The controversy stems from a report by Sweden’s public broadcaster Ekot, which alleged that funds were channeled to projects linked to Somalia’s Prime Minister’s Office in return for facilitating deportations. Sweden’s Ministry of Defence declined to comment directly but noted ongoing bilateral cooperation.
The Somali government emphasized that all development aid is managed transparently via institutions such as the World Bank, UN agencies, and Somalia’s financial systems. It also reiterated that all international engagements are conducted through formal diplomatic channels and subject to cabinet oversight. The denial comes amid rising tensions between African nations and Western governments over deportation practices. Somalia joins other countries like Nigeria and Eritrea in pushing back against migration policies seen as coercive or lacking legal safeguards. As African governments increasingly assert their sovereignty in migration matters, Somalia’s firm stance reflects a broader demand for equal and transparent partnerships in global diplomacy.