Somalia's President Faces Backlash for Deportation Deal with Germany

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has faulted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s agreement with Germany over the deportation of immigrants, terming the MoU as 'irresponsible'.

In his rejoinder, Hassan Khaire said such agreements must deeply reflect the situation in Somalia before they are undertaken by any country. Particularly, he decried the insecurity in Somalia which forces people to seek refuge abroad.

Khaire expressed concerns over the lack of consideration for the ongoing instability in Somalia driving refugees abroad. Germany and Somalia are to cooperate on stepping up the deportation of migrants from the East African country.

After a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the leaders agreed that migrants without the legal right to remain in Germany "will be repatriated quickly and efficiently."

Scholz said the deportations would mostly affect serious criminals.

"This is also in the interest of the very large community of Somalis here in Germany, who are doing well and are well integrated," the chancellor said.

A total of 65,000 Somalis live in Germany. Scholz said only a "small number" do not have the right to stay in the country. Somalia has been fighting for stability in the last three decades but the situation keeps on deteriorating due to the Al-Shabaab menace.

In Scandinavia, the United States, and Australia, Somalia records the highest number of refugees, some of whom have gone to break glass ceilings, including winning political seats. Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota 5th District Representative is such an example.

GAROWE ONLINE