Somalia returns all WFP aid commodities amid US aid halt

By Mohamed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Somalia has announced that all World Food Programme (WFP) aid commodities affected by port expansion in Mogadishu have been returned.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the government takes full “responsibility for addressing this unfortunate situation and expresses its regret that it occurred.”

It said that to ensure the continued, secure, and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance, it has provided the WFP with a larger and more suitable warehouse within the Mogadishu Port area, supporting improved storage capacity and efficient distribution.

“While the Federal Government has maintained consistent and constructive communication with the World Food Program over many years on operational and logistical matters, it recognizes the importance of continuously strengthening coordination and information-sharing with the international donors,” said the statement dated Jan. 26 but shared on social media on Tuesday.

Mogadishu said it will review the circumstances surrounding the matter and remain fully committed to humanitarian principles, transparency, and accountability, and values its close partnership with the WFP, the US and the international donor community.

The statement came after a US decision to halt aid programs, accusing Somali officials of destroying a US-funded WFP warehouse and illegally seizing 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid for vulnerable Somalis.

“Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps,” the US State Department said in a statement earlier this month.

The Horn of Africa country is facing an intensifying humanitarian crisis driven by prolonged drought, conflict, and recurrent disease outbreaks.

In 2026, 4.8 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance — a reduction of 20% compared to 2025, which reflects stricter needs definition rather than improved conditions, according to the UN.

Somalia, the UN and humanitarian partners launched on Monday the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks $852 million to assist 2.4 million people who need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in the East African country.