The Federal Government of Somalia has denied reports that it entered into a secret agreement with Sweden to allow the deportation of Somali refugees living in the European country.
In a statement released by the Office of Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, the government said claims of an undisclosed deal involving financial support in exchange for the return of Somali citizens are false.
“There is nothing in these reports,” the statement said. “There is no agreement between the government of Somalia and Sweden regarding the return of Somali citizens.”
The Prime Minister’s office also addressed allegations that Sweden was providing direct financial incentives to Somalia as part of such an arrangement. According to the statement, any funds linked to cooperation with Sweden are channeled through United Nations agencies and not deposited directly into the Somali government’s treasury.
“The funds provided are managed through United Nations agencies, and there is no direct funding that goes to the government treasury,” the statement added.
The denial comes amid growing concern among members of the Somali diaspora in Europe following reports suggesting that Somali refugees could be forcibly returned under a bilateral agreement.
Somali authorities have urged the public to disregard what they describe as misinformation surrounding the issue.
