Allegations surface about Sweden’s aid deal with Somalia
In December 2023 Swedish authorities reportedly concluded a confidential agreement with the Somali government that would reroute about 100 million kronor into projects connected to the Somali prime minister’s inner circle. The information comes from Ekot’s sources, describing a package that would give greater influence over the aid funds to the premier’s circle, allegedly at the expense of other aid programs.
What is alleged
According to Ekot, the deal involved not only financial channels but a political exchange: Somalia would take in two forcibly deported Somali citizens from Sweden, while both sides allegedly sought to keep the agreement secret. The Swedish aid ministry, Sida, along with the Swedish embassies, would be responsible for implementing the aid, as later stated by Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa when questioned.
Responses from politicians and party leaders
Reactions from Swedish politics were swift. Janine Alm Ericson, international aid policy spokesperson for the Green Party, told Dagens Nyheter that the party would summon Minister Dousa to the foreign policy committee to explain what happened. She called the affair extremely serious and argued that the government seems to reward other regimes for taking in their citizens, while undermining aid transparency. She said that the case shows corruption and reveals the government’s hypocrisy, emphasizing that aid money should be used where it is most effective, not as a political tool.
Centerpartiet has indicated it will also summon the aid minister to the foreign affairs committee, according to SVT. Lotta Johnsson Fornarve of Vänsterpartiet told DN that her party also wants to ask Dousa questions in the committee, stressing that aid must not be used as a bribe or lever for political favors. Using aid as a tool in diplomacy is incompatible with how aid should work, she said.
Official comment and next steps
When DN reached out to Minister Dousa, the ministry reiterated that responsibility for the design and execution of aid lies with Sida and the embassies, and did not offer further comment on the alleged arrangement. The government has so far withheld public details, prompting lawmakers from several parties to demand answers and greater transparency.
Why this matters for aid policy
Beyond the specific allegations, the episode raises broader questions about how aid funds are allocated, monitored, and reported. Critics warn that Sweden’s aid program could be damaged if funds are steered to favored allies or kept secret for political reasons. Proponents of higher transparency argue that the episode underscores the need for stronger oversight mechanisms, robust auditing, and clearer rules about diplomatic trade-offs in donor-recipient relationships.
What happens next
Parliamentary committees are expected to seek briefings and possibly summon the aid minister for testimony. The case will likely sharpen debates on aid governance, transparency, and safeguards that ensure aid serves those in need rather than political leverage. As the situation develops, media briefings and official statements will shape the narrative and influence future aid decisions and oversight practices.
