NAIROBI, Kenya- The United States government has expressed serious concern over reports that officials from the Federal Government of Somalia destroyed a U.S.‑funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and illegally seized about 76 metric tons of donor‑funded food aid intended for vulnerable Somalis.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department said it has taken the allegations “very seriously”, and that the Trump administration maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for waste, theft and diversion of life‑saving assistance.
As a result, all U.S. assistance programs that benefit the Somali federal government have been paused indefinitely.
The seized food aid — meant to support relief efforts in a country facing widespread hunger, drought and displacement — was being stored at a warehouse funded by U.S. taxpayers and managed in coordination with the WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian food‑assistance agency.
The 🇺🇸 is deeply concerned by reports that Federal Government of Somalia officials have destroyed a US-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and illegally seized 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid for vulnerable Somalis. The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance
According to U.S. officials, Somali government personnel deliberately destroyed the facility and took the food stocks, actions described as unacceptable and counterproductive to humanitarian objectives.
The U.S. statement made clear that any resumption of assistance will require accountability from Somali authorities and “appropriate remedial steps” to ensure aid reaches those for whom it is intended.
The suspension comes amid an already fragile humanitarian situation in Somalia, where millions face acute food insecurity due to persistent conflict, climate shocks and economic instability.
The WFP has previously warned of critical food shortages in the country, with limited resources and operational challenges hampering relief efforts.
Aid agencies, including the United Nations, are now urging Somali authorities and international partners to work together to secure humanitarian supply chains and protect food assistance from theft and misuse so that life‑saving aid can continue to reach the most vulnerable populations.
