Somalia’s government has denied U.S. allegations that authorities in Mogadishu destroyed a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and seized food aid intended for vulnerable civilians.
The dispute prompted the U.S. State Department to suspend all assistance to Somalia’s federal government, citing a zero-tolerance policy for the waste or diversion of life-saving aid. A senior U.S. official claimed that the warehouse at Mogadishu Port was demolished under the direction of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, without prior notice to donors.
Somalia’s foreign ministry refuted the claims, stating that the food was not destroyed and remains under the custody of the WFP.
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Officials said ongoing port expansion works have not disrupted humanitarian operations and reiterated Somalia’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
However, opposition figures are calling for stronger action. Abdurahman Abdishakur Warsameh, a member of parliament, said: “This is deeply concerning, especially as Somalia faces a severe drought. Clarification from the government is not enough. Damaging or repurposing humanitarian facilities during a crisis is irresponsible and requires an independent and transparent review.”
Somalia continues to rely heavily on international aid, with the U.S. providing $770 million last year, though only a small portion went directly to the government. It remains unclear how much aid will be affected by Washington’s suspension.
READ ALSO: U.S. Aid Cuts Push Somalia’s Fragile Health System to the Brink
The incident raises concerns about the coordination and oversight of humanitarian operations in Somalia, especially amid ongoing crises such as drought and food insecurity.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
