Khaberni - Washington has expressed its concern regarding reports that Somali government officials have destroyed a warehouse belonging to the World Food Program funded by the United States and seized about 76 metric tons of aid.
A statement from the U.S. State Department indicated that President Donald Trump's administration "takes these allegations seriously," affirming a policy of "no compromise" concerning the waste, theft, or diversion of life-saving aid. Consequently, Washington has announced the suspension of all American aid programs benefiting the Federal Government of Somalia for an unspecified duration.
According to U.S. officials, the seized food aid – intended to support relief efforts in a country suffering from widespread hunger, drought, and displacement – had been stored in a warehouse funded by the United States and managed by the World Food Program, the world's largest humanitarian agency for food aid.
The statement highlighted that individuals affiliated with the Somali government deliberately destroyed the facility and took the food supplies, actions described as "unacceptable" and contrary to humanitarian objectives.
The U.S. statement clarified that any resumption of aid would be contingent upon the Somali authorities assuming responsibility and taking "appropriate remedial steps" to ensure that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without obstacles in the future.
This suspension comes amidst a fragile humanitarian situation in Somalia, where millions face severe food insecurity due to ongoing conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability. The World Food Program had previously warned of a severe food shortage in the country, where limited resources and operational challenges hinder relief efforts.
Humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations, generally call on the Somali authorities and international partners to work together to secure humanitarian supply chains and protect food aid from theft and misuse, to ensure the continued delivery of life-saving aid to the most vulnerable groups.
