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Somalia has expelled Anna Saleem Högberg, Sweden’s Consul and Head of Development Cooperation in Mogadishu, declaring her persona non grata in a move that has sparked diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The decision, reportedly made in March 2025, was announced on April 3, following allegations that Högberg interfered in Somalia’s internal affairs and undermined the government’s reputation.
According to Somali officials, Högberg was accused of making statements and engaging in actions deemed harmful to the Somali government. Reports suggest she had ties to groups critical of the administration, further straining relations. The Somali government has refrained from issuing a formal statement, but anonymous sources confirmed the expulsion, citing a contentious relationship between Högberg and the office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
Sweden, a major aid partner to Somalia, has also remained silent on the matter. The Swedish Foreign Ministry and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), which Högberg represented, declined to comment when contacted by media outlets. Sida has been a key player in Somalia’s development, disbursing approximately $63 million annually for projects focused on governance, health, climate resilience, and institutional strengthening.
The expulsion of Högberg has raised concerns about the future of Swedish-funded initiatives in Somalia. Analysts warn that the diplomatic fallout could disrupt ongoing projects and strain bilateral relations. Somalia’s reliance on international aid, particularly from Sweden, underscores the potential impact of this decision on critical development programs.
Högberg, who has led Sweden’s development cooperation efforts in Somalia since 2022, previously held a similar role in Sudan. Her work has focused on long-term development and humanitarian support, collaborating with Somali authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs. The allegations against her, however, have cast a shadow over her tenure in Somalia, with officials accusing her of violating diplomatic protocols and ethics.
This is not the first time Somalia has expelled foreign diplomats over alleged interference. In 2019, the Somali government expelled a senior UN envoy, citing similar concerns. The latest incident highlights the sensitivities surrounding foreign involvement in Somalia’s political landscape, where aid partnerships are critical yet politically charged.
The expulsion has sparked speculation about the specifics of Högberg’s alleged misconduct. While Somali officials have accused her of “smearing the government,” details remain unclear, fueling debates about the transparency of the decision. Critics argue that the lack of formal statements from both governments has left room for misinformation and speculation.
Diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Sweden come at a time when Somalia is navigating complex challenges, including security threats, political instability, and humanitarian crises. The expulsion of a senior diplomat managing significant aid flows adds another layer of complexity to Somalia’s efforts to rebuild and stabilize.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on mitigating the impact of the expulsion on Somalia’s development programs and fostering dialogue between the two nations. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between foreign aid and national sovereignty, highlighting the need for clear communication and mutual respect in diplomatic relations.