The United States has partially suspended aid to South Sudan and halted assistance programs to Somalia following credible allegations of theft and misuse of funds and food aid. The State Department announced the measures, citing serious concerns about the diversion of resources intended for the most vulnerable populations.
In Somalia, all US assistance programs directly or indirectly benefiting the federal government have been suspended. This decision follows reports that Somali officials allegedly destroyed a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and unlawfully seized 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid destined for impoverished Somalis. The State Department emphasized that future aid will be “conditional on the Federal Government of Somalia holding individuals accountable” and rectifying the situation. A detailed review of all programs is underway, and some may be completely terminated.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied the accusations of stolen US aid, asserting that the supplies remain in the custody of the WFP. The ministry stated it would assess the situation and claimed the demolition of the warehouse was part of port expansion and redevelopment activities.
A WFP spokesperson confirmed that the agency had recovered 75 tons of food commodities. Conflicting reports emerged, with another spokesperson stating that port authorities had demolished a warehouse containing the same amount of aid.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in South Sudan announced a partial suspension of its assistance program due to “continued misuse, exploitation, and misappropriation of funds by South Sudanese officials at the national and local levels.” The embassy also condemned the detention of a humanitarian worker who refused to comply with what the US deemed an “illegal” order to hand over US-funded assistance. The US government relies on the cooperation of the Somali authorities to fight against Al-Shabaab.
The suspensions highlight the US government’s commitment to ensuring that aid reaches its intended recipients and is not subject to corruption or abuse. The US has not yet said how the security situation will be impacted.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
