Mogadishu (Somalia Today) — Somalia Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday rejected allegations that Swedish-funded programmes were misappropriated or linked to deportation cooperation, describing the claims as “biased” and “not grounded in verified facts.”
In a press release dated Dec. 18, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said it “categorically rejects” any assertion of “impropriety, conflict of interest, coercion, or misuse of development assistance.”
The OPM said international partners implement Swedish support in accordance with donor rules.
The statement comes as Sweden reviews arrangements aimed at improving the return of Somali nationals, as Stockholm tightens enforcement of rejected asylum decisions.
‘Implementation controls’
OPM said international organisations, including UN agencies, implement Swedish support under “clearly defined project agreements.”
“No Swedish funds are paid directly to Somali government officials,” the statement said. It added that the Somali government does not administer those funds.
The statement said implementing organisations handle “remuneration, contractual arrangements, and management of any technical assistance positions.” It described this as their “administrative, fiduciary, and oversight responsibility.”
OPM also challenged the evidence behind the allegations. It said the reporting “relies on unsubstantiated claims” and cites alleged communications that were “neither formally presented nor independently verified.”
“Such assertions do not constitute factual evidence,” the statement said. It added that the reporting appears intended “to defame and harm senior government officials.” It also said the reporting “falls short of accepted standards” of responsible journalism.
Funding dispute
The December 18 denial addresses allegations that Swedish support intersected with returns cooperation through development programming and a separate migration-related initiative.
Swedish public broadcaster Ekot has reported that Sweden reached a confidential understanding with Somalia.
Ekot said Sweden redirected SEK 100 million to projects near Somalia’s prime minister in exchange for Somalia accepting deported nationals.
Swedish reporting has also focused on a Justice Ministry-funded initiative routed through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). That programme reportedly financed positions linked to migration or returns coordination.
Meanwhile, Somalia Today reported on Thursday that Ekot cited internal correspondence on a senior role linked to the prime minister’s office. Somalia Today said the correspondence described Sweden’s Justice Ministry as financing the role through IOM.
OPM did not name individuals in its Dec. 18 statement. Instead, it framed the dispute in terms of process. It focused on who controls funds, who manages recruitment, and how donor-funded technical assistance operates.
Integrity stance
OPM said Somalia has “robust institutional safeguards” to prevent conflicts of interest, and maintains “zero tolerance for all kinds of corruption.”
It argued that Somali officials who take part in programme coordination do not gain “personal financial benefit.” It also said they do not control funds or influence recruitment and contracting decisions.
“At no point has any Somali official exercised authority over donor funds or payment processes managed by international partners,” the statement said.
OPM also rejected claims that Somalia threatened to suspend deportation cooperation to secure funding.
“Claims that Somalia threatened to suspend cooperation or deportation arrangements in order to secure funding are incorrect and misleading,” it said.
The statement said Somalia and Sweden engage through “formal diplomatic and technical channels.” It added that talks on “migration, returns, and development assistance” remain “distinct processes.” It said international law governs them, and separate institutional mandates apply.
‘No secret deals’
“The Government of Somalia does not enter into secret agreements,” OPM said.
It added that “all cooperation frameworks with the Government of Sweden are governed by formal, documented arrangements.” It said those arrangements match international development practices.
OPM said development assistance aligns with Somalia’s national priorities. It also said partners implement the assistance “transparently through multilateral systems subject to audit and donor oversight.”
Finally, OPM said the narrative it addressed appeared intended “to undermine and defame” senior officials working on state-building. It said Somalia “categorically rejects” any implication of “misconduct, coercion, or undisclosed arrangements.”
In Sweden, the reporting has triggered political debate and parliamentary scrutiny over how Somalia-related funding was structured and what oversight applied. That includes complaints to Sweden’s Constitutional Committee.
Somalia has previously rejected the premise that aid was exchanged for return cooperation.
In its Thursday statement, OPM said Somalia remains committed to “the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.” It added: “We value our long-standing cooperation with the Government of Sweden.”
