Washington freezes aid to Somalia over alleged destruction of food aid

The United States has announced it will suspend all assistance to Somalia following allegations that Somali authorities destroyed a US-funded World Food Program (WFP) warehouse and confiscated 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid intended for vulnerable civilians, an allegation denied by the Somalian government.

A statement from the US State Department posted on X urged the Somalian government to take remedial steps before resumption of assistance.

The declaration by the US risks worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation in Somalia, one of the world's most aid-dependent countries, which is grappling with chronic insecurity, prolonged droughts and limited state capacity.

In response, Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the donor-funded food aid is still under the control of the WFP.

"The Federal Government of Somalia wishes to clarify that the commodities referenced in recent reports remain under the custody and control of the WFP, including assistance provided by the United States," the ministry said in a statement posted on its Facebook account.

The ministry further explained that the WFP warehouse in question is located within the Mogadishu Port area, where expansion and repurposing works are currently underway as part of broader port development activities, noting that the operations have not affected the custody, management or distribution of humanitarian assistance.

"The Federal Government of Somalia remains fully committed to humanitarian principles, transparency, and accountability, and values its partnership with the United States and all international donors."

They also noted that the matter is under review through a technical inter-agency committee in coordination with humanitarian partners.