Mogadishu: Somalia 'firmly' rejected on Wednesday allegations of a 'secret deal' with Sweden involving a conditional development aid arrangement tied to the deportation of Somali nationals, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement refuted media reports that suggested Somalia had agreed with Sweden to accept deported Somalis in exchange for development aid to a project closely associated with the prime minister's office. The statement declared, 'Somalia has no secret or conditional arrangement with any partner concerning the return of its nationals or the allocation of development assistance.'

The Somali government emphasized that these claims are 'false, misleading, and unfounded.' The statement highlighted that the bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Sweden is 'long-standing, transparent, and grounded in mutual respect and international law.' It further stated that all engagements are conducted through formal diplomatic channels and are overseen by the East African country's Cabinet and institutional accountability.

Additionally, the statement clarified that development aid to Somalia is organized through 'transparent mechanisms,' including partnerships with the World Bank, UN agencies, and the Somali government's financial system.