Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Somalia’s federal government says all humanitarian food aid removed from a warehouse affected by expansion works at the Port of Mogadishu has been fully returned to the World Food Programme (WFP).
In a statement issued late Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government takes full responsibility for the incident and expressed regret, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian principles and cooperation with international partners.
“All humanitarian commodities removed from the affected facility have been returned in full to the World Food Programme,” the ministry said.
To prevent disruptions to aid deliveries, the government announced it has allocated a larger and more suitable warehouse for WFP within the port area. Officials said the new facility will enhance storage capacity and ensure the secure, uninterrupted distribution of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
The government also acknowledged the need for stronger coordination and information-sharing with donors and aid agencies. It said it will review the circumstances surrounding the incident and introduce measures to improve communication and prevent similar issues in the future.
The clarification follows sharp criticism from the United States, which said it would pause certain forms of assistance benefiting the Somali government after accusing officials of demolishing a U.S.-funded WFP warehouse and illegally seizing donor-funded food aid.
A senior U.S. State Department official for foreign assistance said the destruction of the warehouse and the handling of food supplies raised serious concerns about respect for humanitarian operations and donor agreements.
Somali authorities have said the warehouse, known as the “blue warehouse,” was located in an area undergoing port expansion and repurposing. They previously maintained that the construction works did not affect the custody, management, or distribution of humanitarian assistance.
In its latest statement, the Foreign Ministry emphasized Somalia’s “full commitment to transparency and accountability” and described its partnership with WFP, the United States, and other donors as vital to meeting the needs of millions of Somalis facing food insecurity.
The government said resolving the issue is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring continued humanitarian cooperation at a time when Somalia remains heavily dependent on international aid.