MOGADISHU – The United States has suspended all assistance programs benefiting Somalia’s federal government after allegations that Somali officials looted and destroyed a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse, seizing food aid intended for civilians, the State Department announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the department said the suspension was in response to reports of “unacceptable actions” at a U.S.-funded WFP facility. Officials stated the alleged incident involved the destruction of the warehouse and the seizure of approximately 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid meant for vulnerable Somalis.

“The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the State Department said, adding that all ongoing U.S. assistance programs benefiting the Somali Federal Government have been halted.
The department said any resumption of assistance would depend on Somali authorities taking responsibility for the alleged actions and implementing corrective measures. It did not specify when the incident occurred or identify the officials involved. The allegations have not been independently verified.

According to U.S. officials, the Biden administration has provided about $770 million in assistance for projects in Somalia over the past year, though only a small portion of that funding went directly to the Somali government.

Post Views: 353

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a Reply