The Somali government has admitted responsibility after being accused of destroying a U.S.-funded warehouse and seizing 76 metric tons of food aid intended for the nation’s citizens.
After originally denying the allegations, the third-world nation appeared to change its tune after President Donald Trump’s administration halted all food aid to Somalia.
In early January, the U.S. State Department announced that the United States had halted “all ongoing” aid to Somalia.
The State Department cited reports that the Somali government had destroyed a warehouse used by the World Food Programme.
Somali officials had also seized donor-funded food, paid for by American taxpayers.
At the time, the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance wrote:
“Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps.”
Somalia initially denied the allegations, claiming that port expansion work at Mogadishu, where the U.S.-funded warehouse was located, did not affect food aid.
Officials also insisted the aid remained “under the custody and control of the World Food Programme, including assistance provided by the United States.”
However, on Monday, the Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation issued a press release reversing that position.
The statement said:
“The Federal Government of Somalia confirms that the commodities removed from the warehouse affected by port expansion activities, as referenced in recent reports, have been fully returned to the World Food Program.
“The Federal Government takes full responsibility for addressing this unfortunate situation and expresses its regret that it occurred.”
The government said it has since provided the WFP with “a larger and more suitable warehouse within the Mogadishu Port area, supporting improved storage capacity and efficient distribution.”
Somali officials also pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
They also vowed to implement safeguards to prevent similar issues in the future.
The statement continued:
“The Federal Government of Somalia remains fully committed to humanitarian principles, transparency, and accountability, and values its close partnership with the World Food Program, the United States, and the broader international donor community.
“The Government considers this clarification an important step toward resolving the matter and ensuring continued cooperation in support of the Somali people.”
The United States is the largest contributor to the WFP, providing approximately $2 billion in 2025.
American taxpayers contribute nearly one-third of the organization’s total funding.
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