MOGADISHU, Somalia (HAN) — The Federal Government of Somalia on Wednesday firmly denied reports claiming that it had signed a secret agreement with Sweden linking development aid to the forced return of Somali nationals.
In a statement released by the Office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the government described the allegations as “false, misleading, and completely baseless.”
“The Federal Government of Somalia wishes to clarify that there is no secret or conditional agreement between Somalia and any other country concerning the repatriation of Somali citizens or the allocation of development assistance,” the statement read.
Officials said the diplomatic relationship between Somalia and Sweden remains “long-standing and built on mutual respect, international law, and transparency.” The government emphasized that all discussions and cooperation between the two nations are conducted through formal diplomatic channels and under regular supervision by the Somali Cabinet and relevant state institutions.
The statement also reaffirmed that all humanitarian and development assistance provided to Somalia is managed through transparent mechanisms, including the World Bank, the United Nations, and Somalia’s national financial accountability systems.
“The government of Somalia reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for international partnerships,” the statement concluded.
Reports alleging a secret deal between Mogadishu and Stockholm began circulating on social media earlier this week, suggesting that aid funds were being tied to deportation agreements. Somali authorities have called those claims “disinformation intended to mislead the public.”
