MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has halted all assistance to Somalia’s government after accusing officials of illegally seizing 76 tonnes of food aid and destroying a UN World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse.
A statement from the US State Department described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that the Trump administration maintains a “zero‑tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life‑saving assistance.”
Conditions for Resumption
Washington said aid will only resume if Somalia takes accountability and implements remedial steps. The suspension comes despite the US remaining the largest contributor to the WFP, providing $2 billion in 2025 — nearly a third of its total funding.
Somalia’s Silence
The Somali government has yet to comment. Authorities are already grappling with:
- Al‑Qaeda‑linked Islamist insurgency led by al‑Shabaab.
- The aftermath of decades of civil war.
- Severe droughts and floods that have devastated harvests.
According to the WFP, 4.6 million Somalis are currently facing crisis levels of hunger.
Strained Relations
This latest dispute adds to worsening ties between Washington and Mogadishu:
- In November 2025, President Donald Trump criticized Somali migrants in the US, telling reporters they should “go back to where they came from.”
- Immigration raids have targeted Somali communities in Minnesota, where officials allege large‑scale benefit fraud.
- Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, the breakaway republic Somalia insists is part of its territory, has further angered Mogadishu.
Humanitarian Impact
The seized aid was intended to help vulnerable families cope with drought, floods, conflict, high food prices, and dwindling harvests. Analysts warn that the suspension of US assistance could deepen Somalia’s humanitarian crisis at a time when millions are already displaced and food insecurity is at record levels.