MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Somalia’s federal government is facing growing criticism from members of the Somali diaspora and human rights advocates who allege it has accepted the forced deportation of individuals from Europe in violation of international and domestic legal procedures.
The accusations come amid reports of bilateral agreements between Mogadishu and several European governments to repatriate Somali nationals who have lost legal residency status. Rights groups, however, claim that some deportations occurred outside proper legal frameworks, raising concerns about potential human rights abuses.
Shams Ali, a Somali mother based in Denmark, told Radio Shabelle that her 23-year-old son — whom she insists is not a Somali national — was forcibly deported in coordination between Somali and European authorities. She alleged that Somali officials accepted payment in exchange for receiving deported individuals.
“My son is not even a Somali citizen, yet he was taken against his will and handed over as if he were a commodity,” Ali said. “The government is bringing hardship to Somalis living abroad.”
Community activists have described the alleged deportations as “a form of abduction and human trafficking,” accusing Somali authorities of undermining procedural safeguards required under European law.
Several Somali diaspora organizations in Europe have called for an independent investigation and urged international human rights bodies to intervene. Legal action is reportedly being considered in some European countries.
Somalia’s federal government has not issued any public statement regarding the allegations.
