Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The Somali government has firmly denied reports suggesting it entered into a secret deal with Sweden involving conditional development aid tied to the deportation of Somali nationals. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister dismissed the claims as false, misleading, and completely unfounded. The government emphasized that no such agreement exists and that Somalia maintains transparency and accountability in all its international partnerships.
According to the statement, Somalia has not made any secret or conditional arrangements with any country concerning the return of its citizens or the allocation of development assistance. The government insisted that all official engagements are handled through proper diplomatic channels, under the supervision of the Cabinet, and within the framework of national laws and international standards.
The clarification came in response to recent media reports alleging that the Somali government had agreed to accept deported Somali nationals from Sweden in return for development funding. The reports suggested that this funding would support a project linked to the Office of the Prime Minister, sparking public debate and concern among Somali citizens both at home and abroad.
The government, however, strongly refuted these claims, saying that the relationship between Somalia and Sweden has always been based on transparency, mutual respect, and international cooperation. Officials pointed out that Sweden has been one of Somalia’s long-standing development partners, contributing to initiatives focused on governance, education, gender equality, and institutional reform. These collaborations, the statement noted, are guided by mutual trust and respect—not secret negotiations or conditional aid.
The Office of the Prime Minister further explained that all development assistance received by Somalia follows well-established and transparent procedures. Funds are typically channeled through recognized international systems, including the World Bank, various UN agencies, and Somalia’s own financial management frameworks. This ensures that every dollar is accounted for and directed toward programs that align with national development goals and benefit the Somali people.
Officials also underlined that the Somali government prioritizes openness in its dealings with all development partners to avoid any perception of corruption, favoritism, or hidden agreements. They reaffirmed that the government’s commitment to transparency reflects Somalia’s ongoing reform efforts and its desire to strengthen public confidence both locally and internationally.
The statement also highlighted that Sweden and Somalia enjoy a healthy diplomatic relationship that extends beyond aid. The two countries cooperate on matters of migration, peacebuilding, and capacity development. Swedish support has been vital in helping Somalia improve governance, promote women’s empowerment, and build resilience against climate change and poverty.
At the same time, Somalia continues to work with international partners to ensure that the rights of Somali nationals abroad are respected. The government reiterated that any discussions about migration or repatriation must be guided by humanitarian principles and respect for international law.
According to Statistics Sweden, nearly 70,000 Somali nationals were living in Sweden as of 2024. Many are part of a large diaspora community that plays an important role in supporting families back home through remittances and community development initiatives. The Somali government expressed appreciation for this diaspora, describing them as vital contributors to the country’s social and economic progress.
In conclusion, the government’s statement made it clear that Somalia’s partnership with Sweden remains open and transparent. It reassured the public that there are no secret deals or hidden conditions in the country’s international relations. Somalia, the statement affirmed, remains committed to accountability, respect for sovereignty, and the principles of fair cooperation that guide its engagement with all nations.