MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has announced the complete return of all humanitarian supplies to the World Food Programme (WFP) following a diplomatic dispute that led the United States to suspend specific forms of assistance to the government.
In an official statement released on Monday, the government confirmed that all commodities removed from a warehouse affected by port expansion activities have been fully restored. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assumed full accountability for the incident, conveying its apologies and characterizing the event as an “unfortunate situation.”
Navigating a Challenging Landscape
The resolution comes shortly after the U.S. State Department confirmed the suspension of aid to the federal administration, citing claims that Somali authorities had compromised a donor-funded facility and misused assistance materials.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar Ali (Ali Balcad), acknowledged that Somalia is navigating a “challenging economic landscape” due to these reductions. However, he emphasized that while Washington is reassessing foreign aid initiatives globally, it maintains strategic interests in the region, particularly regarding counterterrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
“We acknowledge this shift and are working to adjust accordingly,” Minister Ali Balcad stated.
Restoring Trust and Capacity
To prevent future disruptions and guarantee the secure delivery of aid, the government has designated a larger and more appropriate storage facility for the WFP within the Mogadishu Port vicinity. Officials anticipate the new establishment will enhance storage capabilities and facilitate more effective distribution of relief supplies.
While highlighting its long-standing partnership with the WFP, the Federal Government recognized the necessity for improved coordination and information exchange with international donors. The administration has pledged to implement new measures to strengthen communication frameworks and ensure transparency, aiming to resolve the issue and fully reinstate cooperation in support of the Somali people.
