Stockholm (KAAB TV) – Reports of a secret deal between the Swedish and Somali governments have shaken Sweden’s political landscape, alleging that Sweden agreed to forcibly deport Somali nationals in exchange for substantial financial aid to Somalia.
According to an investigative report broadcast by Ekot, the news division of Swedish Radio, the agreement includes the transfer of up to 100 million Swedish kronor (approximately $9 million USD) to a fund managed directly by the office of the Somali Prime Minister.
In return, the Somali government is expected to cooperate with Sweden in accepting Somali nationals who are to be deported—many of whom have been denied asylum or have committed crimes in Sweden.
The revelation has sparked intense political backlash within Sweden and raised serious concerns about transparency, governance, and ethical foreign policy conduct.
Following the media reports, the Swedish Embassy in Mogadishu has summoned its officials for an emergency meeting. While the embassy has not yet released an official statement, diplomatic sources suggest the meeting was convened to assess the diplomatic fallout and coordinate communication between the Swedish and Somali governments.
The Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna), currently in opposition, issued a harsh rebuke of the agreement. Party spokesperson on foreign affairs and former Justice Minister Morgan Johansson criticized the deal as “deeply irresponsible.”
“It is reckless to funnel this much money into accounts connected to Somalia’s top leadership, especially given the rampant corruption in the country,” Johansson stated.
“We demand full transparency. The Minister for Development Cooperation, Benjamin Dousa, must appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee and explain every detail of this arrangement.”
Johansson also raised concerns about the legality and morality of using financial incentives to deport people, particularly to a country grappling with instability and human rights concerns.
Criticism of the agreement is not limited to the Social Democrats. Leaders from the Centre Party (Centerpartiet) and the Green Party (Miljöpartiet) also condemned the report, describing the deal as both “politically unethical” and “a clear misuse of development aid funds.”
A Centre Party spokesperson said:
“This is not development aid—this is a bribe dressed up as diplomacy. It undermines our credibility in international cooperation and disrespects the Somali people.”
The Green Party added that the move sets a dangerous precedent of using aid as a bargaining chip, rather than supporting sustainable development and human rights.
Minister for Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa, a member of the Moderate Party, defended the reported agreement, saying that negotiations with third countries to facilitate the return of rejected asylum seekers or foreign nationals convicted of crimes are “standard practice” in international relations.
“Many Swedes believe it’s only fair that individuals who have committed crimes or lack legal grounds to remain are returned to their countries of origin,” said Dousa.
“Offering development aid in return for cooperation is a common and accepted practice among EU countries.”
Dousa rejected allegations of corruption, emphasizing that all funds are subject to oversight and that the purpose of the agreement is to ensure legal and orderly deportations.
The Swedish Parliament is expected to hold a formal session to address the issue. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum are calling for:
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An independent investigation into the agreement,
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Transparency on how aid funds will be used,
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And accountability if any misuse or irregularities are found.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some segments of the population support tougher immigration enforcement, especially against individuals involved in criminal activity. Others argue that such deals undermine Sweden’s longstanding humanitarian values and commitment to international law.
As of now, no formal copy of the agreement has been made public. Activists, journalists, and members of Parliament are pressing the government to release documentation and clarify whether the deal violates Swedish or international legal standards.
Meanwhile, Somali diaspora organizations in Sweden have expressed deep concern over the reports, warning that forced deportations could place vulnerable individuals at risk and strain already fragile relations between Somali communities and the Swedish state.
The coming weeks will be critical as Sweden grapples with balancing immigration control, international diplomacy, and its role as a global advocate for human rights and good governance.