“Slam-dunk diplomacy,” was Ambassador Waern’s take on Sweden’s strategy in teaming up with Somalia to ensure that those being sent back home experience a reentrance into society that’s not just about survival but thriving as humans. This friendly pact focuses not only on keeping tabs on folks returning but also ensuring they don’t wind up in the clutches of radical groups. It’s all part of Sweden’s broader game plan to tackle terrorism and bump up international safety.
Now, if we rewind a bit to 2016, a good chunk of Sweden’s population, about 63,853 peeps, hailed from Somalia, as dug up by the data wizards over at Statistics Sweden. These communities have their roots in vibrant cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Many folks landed on Swedish shores escaping the chaos of the Somali Civil War, predominantly after 2006, seeking a fresh start.
Sweden’s actions are part of a larger score kept by Europe on undocumented migration. Germany is playing a similar tune, having sealed a deal to send back Somali nationals who have been slapped with serious crime offenses. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has shown support for folks choosing to head back voluntarily, stressing the magic word: reintegration. It’s all about easing these individuals back into Somali life.
In the middle of this, the European Union decided to crank up the power on the visa policies for Somali nationals. This ginormous rulebook now means spending extra on fees and enduring longer wait times. The main hustle here? Encouraging cooperation on getting folks back while addressing the zigzaggy patterns of irregular migration.
But every silver lining has its cloud, and the Somali community is understandably jittery about these potential deportations. The social and economic ripple effects could be tough nuts to crack. Many organizations within these communities, often orbiting around clan structures, are the first line of defense, helping people find their feet. Yet, they’re scrambling in the face of these challenges.
In the grand tapestry of geopolitics and migration policy, this story shines a light on the intricate choreography required to balance humanity, safety, and diplomacy. So, whether in expansive policies or the whispered worries of community groups, this saga is unfolding, where the stakes are deeply personal yet globally significant.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
