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Somalia’s federal government has confirmed that all humanitarian food aid that was removed from a warehouse affected by expansion works at the Port of Mogadishu has been fully returned to the World Food Programme (WFP). The clarification comes amid growing concern from international partners and follows criticism from the United States over the handling of donor-funded aid.
In a statement released late Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government takes full responsibility for the incident and expressed regret over how the situation unfolded. The ministry reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to humanitarian principles and its continued cooperation with international donors and aid agencies working in the country.
According to the statement, all humanitarian commodities that were taken from the affected facility have now been returned in full to WFP. The government said the removal of the aid was linked to ongoing expansion and redevelopment works at the port, where the warehouse was located. Officials emphasized that the food assistance was not diverted or misused and that the intention was never to disrupt humanitarian operations.
To ensure that aid delivery continues without interruption, the government said it has allocated a larger and more suitable warehouse for WFP within the port area. Authorities explained that the new facility offers improved storage capacity and better security, which they believe will strengthen the safe handling and distribution of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities across the country.
The government also acknowledged that the incident exposed weaknesses in coordination and communication between state institutions, donors and humanitarian organizations. In response, it said it would review the circumstances surrounding the removal of the aid and introduce measures aimed at improving information-sharing and consultation in future projects. Officials noted that preventing similar misunderstandings is critical to protecting humanitarian operations and maintaining trust with partners.
The statement was issued after the United States sharply criticized the Somali government, accusing officials of demolishing a U.S.-funded WFP warehouse and illegally seizing donor-funded food aid. In response to the incident, Washington announced it would pause certain forms of assistance that directly benefit the Somali government, citing concerns over respect for humanitarian agreements and donor conditions.
A senior U.S. State Department official responsible for foreign assistance said the destruction of the warehouse and the handling of the food supplies raised serious questions about Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding humanitarian operations. The official stressed that donor-funded aid must be protected at all times and used strictly for its intended purpose.
Somali authorities have previously said the warehouse, commonly known as the “blue warehouse,” was situated in an area designated for port expansion and repurposing. They maintained that the redevelopment works did not interfere with the custody, management or distribution of humanitarian assistance. However, the latest statement appears to mark a more conciliatory tone, with the government openly accepting responsibility and emphasizing corrective action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored Somalia’s “full commitment to transparency and accountability,” describing its partnership with WFP, the United States and other international donors as essential to addressing the needs of millions of Somalis facing food insecurity. The government said humanitarian cooperation remains a top priority, particularly as the country continues to struggle with the combined effects of conflict, climate shocks and economic hardship.
Officials concluded that resolving the issue swiftly was necessary to preserve trust and ensure continued humanitarian support at a time when Somalia remains heavily dependent on international aid to support vulnerable populations and stabilize essential services.