Another Trump success: Somalia accused of stealing US-funded food aid, destroying warehouse — but caves when Trump admin cuts it off cold

Somalia accused of stealing US-funded food aid, destroying warehouse — but caves when Trump admin cuts it off cold

https://www.theblaze.com/news/somalia-accused-of-stealing-us-funded-food-aid-destroying-warehouse-but-caves-when-trump-admin-cuts-it-off-cold

CANDACE HATHAWAY

JANUARY 28, 2026s

The Somali government ‘takes full responsibility,’ claiming it has returned ‘removed’ food.

The Somali government admitted fault after it was accused of destroying a United States-funded warehouse and seizing 76 metric tons of food aid intended for Somali nationals.

In early January, the State Department halted “all ongoing” aid to Somalia, citing concerning reports that its government had destroyed a World Food Programme warehouse and seized donor-funded food.

‘The Federal Government takes full responsibility for addressing this unfortunate situation and expresses its regret that it occurred.’

“Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps,” the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance wrote.

Somalia previously denied the allegations, asserting that the expansion work at the Mogadishu port, where the U.S.-funded warehouse is located, did not impact the food aid. The government further insisted that the aid was “under the custody and control of the World Food Programme, including assistance provided by the United States.”