US halts aid to Somalia over illegal seizure of WFP food aid

The United States has suspended all aid to the Somali government, claiming officials destroyed a United Nations World Food Program (WFP) warehouse and confiscated “donor-funded food aid.”

“The Trump administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft and diversion of life-saving aid,” said U.S. Department of State Statement on X.

The message, posted on the account of the undersecretary of state for foreign aid, said it had received reports that officials had illegally confiscated 76 tons of food destined for “vulnerable Somalis.”

Any resumption of aid will depend on the Somali government “taking responsibility for its unacceptable behavior and taking appropriate remedial measures,” the report said.

Although the United States has withdrawn from several United Nations organizations under President Donald Trump, It remains by far the largest donor to the World Food Programpaying out $2 billion by 2025 — almost a third of its total funding.

Somalia’s government, which has long battled al-Qaida-linked Islamist militants as it tries to rebuild the country after a devastating civil war and years of drought, has yet to comment.

It is the latest example of deteriorating relations between Washington and Mogadishu.

In November, US President Donald Trump lashed out at Somali immigrants living in the US, telling reporters they should “go back to where they came from” and “nothing good comes of their country.”

Communities targeted by immigration raids Government accuses Minnesota of massive welfare fraudthe state with the largest Somali community in the United States.

U.S. ally Israel recently recognized the breakaway republic of Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory, further angering Mogadishu.

The aid allegedly withheld by Somali officials is intended to help people cope with the effects of “drought, floods, conflict, high food prices and reduced harvests,” according to the World Food Program.

Citing data, the report said that 4.6 million people in Somalia are facing a hunger crisis.