Mogadishu, Somalia — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met Swedish Ambassador Hans Lundquist in the capital on Thursday, a visit that came at a delicate moment for both governments as they navigate growing cooperation overshadowed by a political storm.
The two officials spent the morning in the Prime Minister’s office discussing ways to deepen long-standing ties between Somalia and Sweden. Their conversation touched on development assistance, security cooperation, and the broader partnership that has shaped decades of Swedish engagement in the Horn of Africa. Those present described the meeting as calm and purposeful, with both sides emphasizing continuity despite the noise surrounding them.
Outside the conference room, however, the diplomatic backdrop was far more turbulent. In recent days, Swedish media investigations triggered controversy after claiming that a secret arrangement had linked 100 million kronor—roughly ten million dollars—in Swedish aid to Somalia’s willingness to accept deported Somali nationals. The reporting suggested that the Prime Minister’s office played a role in facilitating the alleged deal, placing the Somali government at the centre of a debate about transparency and the ethics of conditional aid.
The Prime Minister’s office swiftly dismissed the allegations, insisting that the claims were unfounded and misrepresented Somalia’s relationship with Sweden. Officials stressed that cooperation between the two countries has always been rooted in mutual respect and shared development goals, not covert arrangements or political pressure.
For many Somalis, the controversy struck a deeper chord. Deportation remains an emotionally charged topic for families divided between the diaspora and a homeland still grappling with instability. Meanwhile, aid continues to serve as a lifeline in a country where drought, displacement, and economic hardship remain daily realities. That mix of vulnerability and pride has made the recent claims feel particularly sensitive.
Despite the tension, Thursday’s meeting signalled that neither side is eager to let the issue derail broader cooperation. Swedish support continues to play an important role in Somalia’s humanitarian response, education programs, and governance reforms, while Somalia remains committed to strengthening diplomatic ties as it seeks stability and development.
As Amb. Lundquist left the PM’s compound, staffers said the discussions had set the stage for continued engagement in the weeks ahead. The political questions stirred by the Swedish media reports may linger, but both governments appear focused on steering their partnership beyond controversy and toward a more grounded, transparent future.