The United States has suspended all assistance programs that benefit the Somali Federal Government following the destruction of a U.S.-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and the illegal seizure of 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid by Somali officials.
The decision, announced by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday night, marks one of the most severe diplomatic actions taken against Somalia in recent years and threatens to deepen the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa nation.
“The United States is deeply concerned by reports that Federal Government of Somalia officials have destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme warehouse and illegally seized 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid for vulnerable Somalis,” the State Department said in a statement posted on X.
Washington said it had immediately paused all ongoing U.S. assistance programs that benefit the Somali Federal Government, citing what it described as a zero-tolerance policy toward the diversion of life-saving aid.
“The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the statement said, adding that the suspension would remain in effect indefinitely.
“Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and implementing appropriate remedial steps,” the State Department added.
The confiscated food supplies were intended for Somalia’s most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons and families affected by drought and conflict.
Aid agencies say the destruction of the WFP warehouse has dealt a serious blow to humanitarian operations in a country where an estimated 4.3 million people require food assistance.
The suspension affects a wide range of U.S.-funded programs administered through Somali government channels, including security sector support, governance initiatives, and development projects.
However, humanitarian assistance delivered directly through United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations may continue, though under heightened monitoring.
The Somali Federal Government has not issued an official response to the U.S. decision or addressed the allegations surrounding the warehouse destruction and aid seizure.
U.S. officials said the incident has triggered an urgent review of all American-funded programs in Somalia.
The United States provides hundreds of millions of dollars annually in assistance, making it Somalia’s largest bilateral donor.
Western diplomatic sources said other donor nations are closely watching Washington’s response and may coordinate similar measures if corrective action is not taken.
“This is not just about 76 metric tons of food, it’s about the principle that humanitarian aid must reach those who need it most,” said one humanitarian coordinator working in the region.
“If donors cannot trust that aid will be protected, they will redirect resources elsewhere.”
The development comes at a particularly fragile moment for Somalia, which continues to face prolonged drought, economic instability, and an ongoing insurgency by Al-Shabaab militants.
According to UN estimates, hundreds of thousands of Somalis face acute malnutrition.
Washington has demanded immediate access for investigators and the unconditional return of all confiscated food aid, warning that failure to comply could lead to further diplomatic and financial consequences.
