Swedish Aid Agency Felt Pressure Over Somalia Deal
Sweden redirected 100 million kronor in aid to Somalia amid government pressure, according to reports. The funds went to projects near the prime minister's office as part of a deportation agreement. Development agency officials felt compelled to implement the controversial arrangement.
Swedish development aid worth 100 million kronor was redirected to projects near the Somali prime minister's office. This information comes from a recent investigation by Swedish public radio.
Officials at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) reportedly felt government pressure to implement this arrangement. Sida manages Sweden's official development assistance to reduce global poverty.
Development Minister Benjamin Dousa responded to the claims. He said all government agencies must deliver on government policy.
Sweden allegedly made an agreement with Somalia about deportations. The deal would send people Sweden wants to deport to Somalia in exchange for redirected aid money.
This arrangement raises questions about aid conditionality. Linking development funds to migration policies represents a significant shift in Sweden's traditional approach to international assistance.