Europe's Africa Migration Strategy Faces A Test As Somalia Rejects Unverified Deportees

user 27-Jun-2026 East Africa News

Asante Times Admin

Somalia has rejected the EU's push to accept deportees without verified Somali citizenship, insisting on citizenship checks as a matter of national sovereignty.

The EU imposed temporary short-stay Schengen visa restrictions on Somali nationals, citing insufficient cooperation from Somalia on migrant returns.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed willingness to take back citizens but only those proven to be Somali.

The dispute highlights broader European efforts to cooperate with African countries on accelerating deportations, including proposals for return hubs in African states.