US-Somalia Relations Worsen as Washington Pauses Aid to Somali Government

U.S. halts some Somalia aid after WFP warehouse demolished; Mogadishu disputes theft as 75 tons recovered

MOGADISHU/WASHINGTON — The United States said it is pausing further assistance that benefits Somalia’s federal government after a dispute over the demolition of a World Food Programme warehouse at Mogadishu Port, escalating tensions with a key partner battling hunger and insecurity.

The State Department’s top foreign assistance official said on X that Somali government officials destroyed a U.S.-funded WFP facility and “illegally seized” donor-financed food aid meant for vulnerable Somalis. Washington did not specify the value of the assistance being suspended but said any resumption will depend on accountability and remedial steps by Somalia’s government.

A WFP spokesperson said the agency has retrieved 75 metric tons of specialized nutritious food that had been held at the site. The day before, the spokesperson said the warehouse — known locally as the “blue warehouse” — was demolished by port authorities. A U.S. official said Washington was “glad to hear reports that certain commodities have been recovered” and is continuing to investigate possible diversion and misuse.

Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected claims that U.S.-funded aid was stolen, insisting the commodities remained in WFP custody even as the port undertook expansion and repurposing works. “Those operations have not affected the custody, management, or distribution of humanitarian assistance,” the ministry said.

In a statement, WFP said it is working with authorities to secure safe storage following the demolition. “The warehouse contained 75 metric tons of specialized nutritious foods intended for the treatment of malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls and young children,” the agency said, noting the facility’s importance as nearly a quarter of Somalia’s population — about 4.4 million people — faces crisis levels of hunger or worse.

Documentation reviewed by humanitarian officials indicates the 75 tons were moved from the demolished facility to another warehouse and handed back to WFP. The agency noted it would confirm final receipt once laboratory tests determine the commodities remain fit for human consumption.

Port officials had formally notified WFP in November to vacate the blue warehouse by Dec. 31 due to plans to relocate port offices, according to a letter sent to the agency. The demolition and relocation have become the latest flashpoint in a donor landscape already tense over aid oversight and access as Somalia navigates climate shocks, displacement and conflict with al-Shabab insurgents.

The Biden administration had previously expanded oversight of assistance in Somalia; under President Donald Trump’s second term, Washington has tightened immigration policies affecting Somali nationals and U.S. citizens of Somali origin, while shifting broader U.S. engagement in Africa from aid to trade. U.S. officials have also pursued fraud cases involving nonprofit programs tied to Somali communities in Minnesota, with dozens of guilty pleas entered since federal probes began under the prior administration.

The pause in Somalia comes as the United States moves to curb abuses elsewhere in the region. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in South Sudan said it was suspending support in one area and considering significant reductions in another after what it described as official interference and theft of American aid.

The immediate impact of Washington’s decision on Somalia’s aid pipeline remains unclear, but humanitarian agencies warn that any disruption to nutrition and emergency supplies could ripple through communities where malnutrition rates are high and food prices remain volatile. U.S. officials said they have urged Somalia’s federal government to swiftly provide a full account of the incident. “We’ve urged the Federal Government of Somalia to promptly follow through on their commitment to provide an account of the incident,” a U.S. official said.

Key developments:

• U.S. pauses assistance benefiting Somalia’s federal government pending accountability steps.
• WFP says 75 metric tons of specialized nutritious food have been recovered after the Mogadishu Port warehouse was demolished.
• Somalia’s government denies theft and says port works did not affect aid custody or distribution.
• WFP awaiting lab tests to certify commodities are suitable for consumption.
• Port authorities had issued a vacate notice to WFP effective Dec. 31.
• Move comes amid broader U.S. scrutiny of aid diversion in East Africa and tighter policy toward Somalia under Trump’s second term.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.