Somalia’s Federal Government Debunks WFP Warehouse Seizure Allegations. Mogadishu, Somalia — The Federal Government of Somalia has responded to recent allegations by the United States Department of State regarding the seizure of a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse.
In a statement, the Somali government clarified that the commodities in question remain under WFP control, including assistance provided by the United States.
The government also confirmed that the WFP warehouse in question is situated within the Mogadishu Port area, where expansion and repurposing works are ongoing. These activities, according to the government, have not impacted the custody, management, or distribution of humanitarian assistance.
In response to concerns raised by the port expansion activities, the Federal Government of Somalia is reviewing the matter through a technical inter — agency committee in coordination with humanitarian partners.
The government remains committed to humanitarian principles, transparency, and accountability, and values its partnership with the United States and all international donors. Further updates will be provided upon completion of the review.
The U.
S. Had suspended all assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that officials destroyed a WFP warehouse and seized 76 metric tonnes of donor-funded food aid.
The seized food aid was intended for vulnerable Somalis facing crisis levels of hunger.
The U. S. State Department accused Somali officials of a zero-tolerance violation regarding waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.
This suspension of aid is a direct response to the allegations of seizure and destruction of the WFP warehouse. Somalia has been addressing chronic instability and food insecurity, with over four million people facing crisis levels of hunger.
The country relies heavily on international aid, including food assistance, to address these challenges.
The WFP is a key provider of food aid in Somalia.
The Somali government’s clarification comes amidst a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Somalia and the United States.
The U.
S. Has also recently stepped up air strikes targeting armed groups in Somalia and criticized Somali migrants living in the U.
S.
Further details are expected as the government completes its review of the situation.
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Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
