Somalia’s government has strongly rejected claims by the United States that authorities in Mogadishu destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and confiscated humanitarian food supplies meant for vulnerable civilians.
The denial comes after the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it had suspended all direct assistance to Somalia’s federal government, citing allegations of interference with humanitarian aid. Washington said the decision reflects what it described as a “zero-tolerance policy” toward the misuse, theft, or diversion of life-saving assistance.
According to a senior U.S. State Department official, the warehouse located at the Port of Mogadishu was allegedly demolished on the orders of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, without prior notice or coordination with international donors, including the United States. The official, who spoke anonymously, said the information was based on internal diplomatic reporting from the region.
In response, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the claims, insisting that no food aid was destroyed or seized. The ministry said all humanitarian supplies mentioned in recent reports remain under the control and management of the World Food Programme, including assistance funded by the U.S. government.
The ministry acknowledged that construction and redevelopment activities are currently taking place at the Mogadishu port but stressed that these works have not disrupted the storage, custody, or distribution of humanitarian aid. It reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to humanitarian principles, transparency, and accountability, while emphasizing the importance of its partnership with the United States and other international donors.
However, the World Food Programme confirmed to The Associated Press that port authorities had demolished one of its warehouses at the Mogadishu port. The UN agency said the facility was storing around 75 metric tonnes of specialized nutritional food intended for malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the handling of humanitarian operations in Somalia, a country heavily reliant on international aid amid ongoing food insecurity and conflict.
