Somalia says WFP food aid returned amid U.S. aid suspension row

Somalia’s federal government said on Monday that commodities removed from a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse affected by “port expansion activities” in Mogadishu have been fully returned, following reports that the aid had been seized or destroyed.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government “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 (WFP).”

The government took responsibility for the incident, calling it “unfortunate,” and expressed regret that it occurred. To ensure continuity of humanitarian operations, it said it had provided WFP with an alternative storage facility within the Mogadishu port area.

“The Government has provided the World Food Program with a larger and more suitable warehouse within the Mogadishu Port area,” the statement said, adding that the facility would allow for improved storage capacity and more efficient distribution of aid. The statatemnt added that it will “review the circumstances surrounding the incident” to prevent similar issues in the future.

The government described the clarification as “an important step toward resolving the matter and ensuring continued cooperation in support of the Somali people.”

The statement comes amid a diplomatic dispute between Somalia and the United States over the incident at Mogadishu port. Earlier this month, reports emerged indicating that Somalia’s authorities “demolished a WFP warehouse” containing humanitarian food supplies intended for vulnerable populations, including malnourished women and children.

U.S. officials accused Somali authorities of seizing and destroying approximately 76 metric tonnes of food aid — an allegation Somalia has strongly denied. In response, Washington announced the suspension of all direct assistance to Somalia’s federal government, citing “zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.”. The move was significant given Somalia’s heavy reliance on international support for humanitarian relief and state-building.

It also comes at a time when the country is facing a prolonged and acute humanitarian emergency caused by repeated droughts, insecurity, and shrinking aid resources. In 2026, an estimated 4.8 million people are expected to require humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian pressures remain largely climate-driven, with drought projected to intensify during the Jilaal season and further exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

This situation is compounded by severe donor funding challenges resulting from changing rules of aid engagement. Somalia has been particularly affected by the United States’ decision to dismantle the USAID programs. Support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has historically played a central role in addressing Somalia’s humanitarian and development needs, especially in food assistance, health services, education, and governance.

Since Fiscal Year 2022, the United States has allocated nearly USD 2.3 billion in humanitarian aid to Somalia, funding a wide range of interventions — from emergency nutrition, water, and sanitation initiatives to longer-term education, skills development, and livelihood programs. In addition, Somalia was expected to receive approximately USD 125 million in USAID funding in 2025 to continue similar assistance efforts.

Recent findings highlight the severe consequences of the suspension of U.S. aid on humanitarian operations across the country. The interruption has caused widespread disruption, affecting hundreds of aid workers and leaving millions of people without access to critical services. Survey data indicate that more than 60 percent of NGOs operating in Somalia relied on USAID as their primary source of funding, while approximately 70 percent of both national and international organizations received support from USAID and the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. More than half of these organizations, including those indirectly funded, were issued stop-work orders. As a result, many NGOs have been forced to implement staff layoffs and unpaid leave, increasing uncertainty and instability across the humanitarian sector.