MOGADISHU — The United States has announced the resumption of World Food Programme (WFP) food distributions in Somalia after the Federal Government of Somalia acknowledged responsibility for actions that disrupted humanitarian operations at the Port of Mogadishu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, a U.S. spokesperson said Washington welcomed Somalia’s acceptance of accountability for the incident affecting World Food Programme operations, including U.S.-funded assistance. “Following this statement, we will resume WFP food distribution while continuing to review our broader assistance posture in Somalia,” the spokesperson said, reiterating the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, or diversion of U.S. resources.”
The decision reverses a January 7 suspension of assistance imposed after U.S. officials accused Somali authorities of demolishing a U.S.-funded WFP warehouse—known as the “blue warehouse”—during port expansion works and illegally seizing 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid. At the time, Washington said all programs benefiting the Somali federal government would be paused until corrective measures were taken.
Somali authorities have since confirmed that all humanitarian commodities removed from the affected warehouse were fully returned to WFP. The government also expressed regret over the disruption and allocated a larger, more suitable warehouse within the Mogadishu port complex to ensure secure and uninterrupted aid operations. Officials pledged to strengthen coordination and information-sharing with donors to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing commitments to humanitarian principles, transparency, and accountability.
While food distributions will resume immediately, U.S. officials said a broader review of assistance to Somalia will continue to ensure aid is properly managed and reaches intended beneficiaries. The resumption comes as Somalia faces acute food insecurity driven by conflict, prolonged drought, and economic fragility, leaving millions dependent on international humanitarian support.
The announcement signals renewed cooperation on lifesaving assistance alongside a clear warning that donor confidence hinges on sustained accountability and effective oversight.
