Somalia-US Relations Deteriorate as Aid Suspended

Jan 9, 2026, 2:53 AM

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Relations between Somalia and the United States have deteriorated significantly after Washington announced it would pause further assistance to the Somali government. This decision follows a dispute regarding the demolition of a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Mogadishu, which was reportedly funded by the US.

The US State Department's under secretary for foreign assistance stated that Somali officials had destroyed the warehouse and illegally seized food aid intended for vulnerable populations. As a result, the US has suspended aid, although the total value of the assistance affected has not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for the WFP confirmed that the program had managed to recover 75 metric tons of nutritional commodities that were stored in the demolished warehouse. The warehouse was crucial for emergency operations, especially as nearly a quarter of Somalia's population—approximately 4.4 million people—are facing crisis levels of hunger.

In response to the US allegations, Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs disputed claims that the aid had been stolen, asserting that it remained in WFP custody. The ministry explained that expansion and repurposing activities were ongoing at the Mogadishu Port, where the warehouse was located, and insisted that these operations had not impacted the management or distribution of humanitarian assistance.

The WFP is currently collaborating with local authorities to ensure the safe storage of food following the warehouse's demolition. The agency emphasized the importance of the retrieved commodities, which are intended for malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children.

A shipment handover note from the Mogadishu Port Authority indicated that the WFP had taken over the food that had been moved from the blue warehouse to another location. This note, dated Wednesday, included a comment that the WFP would confirm the final receipt of the food once it passed a lab test for human consumption.

The tensions between the US and Somalia are not new. Under the Trump administration, relations have been strained due to aggressive immigration policies that have affected Somali citizens. The administration has barred Somali nationals from entering the US and has initiated audits of immigration cases involving US citizens of Somali descent to uncover potential fraud.

Moreover, allegations of fraud against nonprofit organizations within Minnesota's Somali community have further complicated relations. Since investigations began, at least 56 individuals have pleaded guilty to various charges related to childcare and social service programs.

The US State Department has indicated that any resumption of aid will depend on the Somali government's accountability and remedial actions regarding the recent incident. This shift in US policy reflects a broader trend of reduced aid spending, as the administration has prioritized trade over assistance in Africa.

In a related development, the US embassy in South Sudan announced it would suspend assistance to certain areas due to interference and exploitation of US aid by local officials.

The current situation underscores the fragile nature of US-Somalia relations and highlights the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in the region. As the US reassesses its foreign aid strategy, the implications for Somalia's ongoing humanitarian crisis remain uncertain.

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