The United States has suspended all assistance programs benefiting Somalia’s federal government after reports that officials seized and destroyed a warehouse containing 76 metric tonnes of humanitarian food aid meant for vulnerable communities.
This story is written and edited by Global South World
In a statement, the US government said it was “deeply concerned” by allegations that Somali authorities demolished a US-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse at Mogadishu port and illegally took food supplies intended for malnourished women and children. Washington said it operates a “zero-tolerance policy” toward the theft, diversion or misuse of life-saving aid.
The State Department said all ongoing US assistance to the Somali federal government has been paused, warning that support will only resume if Somali authorities take accountability and implement corrective measures.
“The State Department has paused all ongoing U.S. assistance programs which benefit the Somali Federal Government. Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps,” an official post read.
The World Food Programme confirmed that the warehouse had been demolished by port authorities and said it contained specialised nutritious food for pregnant and breastfeeding women, girls and young children. A WFP spokesperson further warned that the facility was critical to emergency operations at a time when nearly a quarter of Somalia’s population, about 4.4 million people, is facing crisis levels of hunger or worse.
WFP said it is engaging Somali authorities and partners to address the situation.
This article was originally published by Global South World and is republished here with permission. View the original article.
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