The United States announced this week it will resume World Food Programme (WFP) distributions in Somalia, ending a three-week pause triggered by allegations of government interference in aid operations. The decision follows Somalia’s commitment to provide a new warehouse and return seized supplies intended for famine relief.
Washington halted aid earlier this month after accusing Somali authorities of confiscating 76 metric tons of food aid during port expansion work in Mogadishu. U.S. officials demanded accountability, while Somalia maintained the demolition was part of infrastructure upgrades. On Wednesday, Mogadishu confirmed all affected WFP stocks had been recovered and relocated to a larger facility.
“We will resume WFP food distribution while continuing to review our broader assistance posture in Somalia,” the U.S. State Department stated on social media platform X. The move comes amid broader scrutiny of U.S. foreign aid under President Donald Trump, who has reduced global assistance programs over the past year.
Meanwhile, Somali communities in the U.S. face heightened tensions following recent immigration raids and fraud allegations in Minnesota, home to approximately 80,000 Somali residents. Analysts suggest these developments could influence bilateral relations as both nations navigate humanitarian and geopolitical priorities.
