Dujarric explained that the reduction in funding is not due to a decrease in humanitarian needs but rather results from a shortage of resources and funding.

He added that many critical services will be scaled down, as less than half of the people in need will receive assistance.

The spokesperson warned that without a rapid increase in aid, prolonged drought, food insecurity, displacement, disease, and reduced humanitarian support will worsen malnutrition, water scarcity, and health risks.

He noted that last year, the United Nations requested $1.4 billion but received only $397 million (27%), forcing aid agencies to reduce or suspend life-saving assistance.

Meanwhile, this announcement comes a month after Israel declared that it recognizes Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but has never received international recognition.

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In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Washington said it has “serious concerns” over reports indicating that officials “damaged a WFP warehouse and unlawfully took 76 metric tons of food assistance that had been donated for vulnerable Somalis.”

The statement added that the Trump administration “will not tolerate” what it described as the “misuse, theft, or diversion of life-saving humanitarian assistance.”

It further stated that the resumption of aid will depend on the Federal Government of Somalia “taking responsibility for these unacceptable actions and implementing appropriate corrective measures to address the situation.”

The announced suspension adds to longstanding concerns among donors about oversight and diversion of aid in Somalia, a country that is among the world’s most aid-dependent nations and also a key front in the fight against the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.

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The crisis in Kabaase is part of a broader displacement emergency across Somalia.

According to the United Nations, more than 3.8 million people are currently displaced within the country, driven by conflict, drought, and insecurity.

Residents say conditions in the camp have deteriorated further following recent political tensions and international funding cuts.

Aid workers and community leaders report growing concerns over malnutrition, especially among children.

Compounding the crisis is the deteriorating security situation around Doolow. Al-Shabaab militants maintain a presence in surrounding areas, restricting access and undermining the safety of civilians.

With hope diminishing, some displaced families have begun making the risky journey across the border into Ethiopia, seeking refuge in camps like Melkadida.

The residents of Kabaase are now calling on both the Somali government and the international community to restore aid flows and establish long-term resettlement and recovery plans.

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The Puntland Ministry of Health hosted the region’s largest-ever conference on health investment in Garowe, the state capital, bringing together government leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives on 21-22 April.

The two-day gathering also included participation from the deputy president, ministers, parliamentarians, medical professionals, and experts from both local and international communities.

“This is an important meeting. Our discussions focused on how Puntland can become more self-sufficient,” said Daud Mohamed Omar, Puntland’s Minister of Planning.

Minister of Health Said Jama Qorshel echoed the call for local businesspeople and investors to contribute financially to the health sector, aiming to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.

During the conference, officials proposed several strategies to boost domestic revenue for health services.

Plans include imposing a special fee on products and services that pose health risks—such as khat, tobacco, and cosmetics—and launching a phased community health insurance system, starting with government employees like military, police, and civil servants.

Puntland also plans to establish a healthcare cost-sharing system to support the sustainability of essential health services.

Additionally, the conference encouraged direct investments from private businesses in the health sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

The shock of the aid cut was significant

The gathering followed a similar consultation meeting hosted by the Puntland Parliament a week earlier, where civil society groups discussed ways forward amid the shrinking U.S. support.

Dr. Fadumo Hosh, a university lecturer, emphasized the urgency of developing local solutions, saying: “The shock of the aid cut was significant. What matters now is whether a real plan will be developed and implemented.”

Mohamed Hassan from the Puntland Civil Society Network acknowledged the severe impact of the funding cuts but remained hopeful.

“There is a possibility to find local solutions. This conference represents a promising step toward cost-sharing between the government and civil society,” he said.

Member of Parliament Yasin Jama also stressed the importance of continued collaboration: “We are seeing more willingness from civil society, but the government must also step up its efforts.”

In fiscal year 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated approximately $1.05 billion in foreign assistance to Somalia, supporting initiatives such as humanitarian relief, health services, education, governance, and infrastructure development.

However, by fiscal year 2024, USAID’s humanitarian assistance to Somalia had dropped to approximately $116 million, as conflict, food insecurity, and displacement continue to challenge the country’s stability.

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Among the most affected is Somalia, a nation where nearly 70% of its annual budget is funded by donor contributions.

With a 2025 budget of $1.3 billion, Somalia’s dependence on external aid underscores the fragility of its economic and political systems.

The U.S. has been a cornerstone of Somalia’s recovery efforts, providing billions in humanitarian and security assistance over the past two decades.

Trump’s decision, therefore, raises critical questions about the future of Somalia’s stability, the broader geopolitical implications, and the moral responsibility of global powers in addressing humanitarian crises.

A History of U.S. Involvement in Somalia

Since 2006, the United States has contributed $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Somalia, addressing dire issues such as drought, famine, and the displacement of millions of refugees.

This aid has been a lifeline for a country that has struggled to rebuild after decades of civil war, political instability, and the persistent threat of terrorism.

Beyond humanitarian relief, the U.S. has also invested $240 million in development assistance since 2011, targeting economic growth, political stability, and social services.

These efforts aim to establish a formal economy, improve access to basic services, and foster legitimate governance.

In the security sector, U.S. involvement has been even more pronounced. Between 2010 and 2020, the U.S. provided over $500 million in direct security assistance to Somali forces, including the elite Danab Brigade, a special operations unit trained and mentored by American forces.

The Danab Brigade has emerged as one of the most effective combat units in the Somali army, a testament to the success of U.S. investment in building local capacity.

Additionally, the U.S. has contributed $2.5 billion to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which have played a pivotal role in countering the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab.

Somalia is also the largest beneficiary of the State Department’s Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) program, receiving $1.395 billion between 2016 and 2021.

These funds have supported the operations of troop-contributing countries and helped maintain a fragile peace in a region plagued by violence. U.S. military involvement has extended beyond financial support, with American forces engaging in active hostilities alongside Somali troops, including airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab.

However, these operations have not been without controversy, as civilian casualties have provided propaganda fodder for militant groups.

The Impact of Cutting Aid

The decision to freeze USAID contributions threatens to unravel years of progress in Somalia. Humanitarian organizations warn that the suspension of aid could exacerbate food insecurity, displacement, and health crises, particularly in a country where millions rely on international assistance for survival.

The timing could not be worse, as Somalia continues to grapple with the lingering effects of climate change, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the security sector, the loss of U.S. funding could undermine efforts to combat ISIL and Al-Qaeda’s branch in East Africa, al-Shabaab, which remains a potent threat to regional stability. The Danab Brigade and other Somali forces depend on American support for training, equipment, and operational capacity.

A reduction in aid could weaken these units, creating a security vacuum that al-Shabaab would be eager to exploit. Moreover, the freeze could strain Somalia’s relationship with the U.S., a key ally in its fight against terrorism.

Geopolitical Ramifications

Beyond the immediate humanitarian and security concerns, Trump’s decision carries significant geopolitical implications. By withdrawing support, the U.S. risks ceding influence in Somalia to other global powers, particularly China and Russia. Both nations have been expanding their presence in Africa, leveraging economic and military partnerships to gain strategic footholds.

For China, Somalia’s location along vital maritime trade routes makes it an attractive partner for its Belt and Road Initiative. Russia, meanwhile, has sought to strengthen ties with African nations as part of its broader strategy to counter Western influence.

The U.S. has long viewed Somalia through the lens of counterterrorism, but its involvement has also been a means of projecting soft power and fostering stability in a volatile region.

By stepping back, the U.S. not only jeopardizes its own strategic interests but also creates opportunities for rivals to fill the void. This shift could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. influence in Africa and beyond.

A Wake-Up Call or a Misstep?

Within Somalia, reactions to Trump’s decision have been mixed. Some view the freeze as a wake-up call for Somali leaders to reduce their dependence on foreign aid and take greater ownership of their country’s future.

Critics argue that decades of donor funding have fostered a culture of dependency, stifling local innovation and accountability. They contend that Somalia must prioritize economic self-sufficiency, good governance, and domestic resource mobilization to achieve lasting stability.

Others, however, see the move as a betrayal of Somalia’s progress and a failure of U.S. leadership. They argue that cutting aid at this critical juncture could reverse hard-won gains and plunge the country back into chaos.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed hope that the Trump administration will reconsider its decision, particularly in light of the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Yet, without official confirmation from the U.S. government, the future of American support remains uncertain.

A Moral and Strategic Imperative

The debate over U.S. aid to Somalia is not merely a question of dollars and cents; it is a test of America’s commitment to global stability and humanitarian values. Somalia’s challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable.

With sustained support, the country has the potential to emerge from decades of conflict and build a more prosperous future for its people. Abandoning Somalia now would not only undermine these efforts but also tarnish America’s reputation as a leader in the fight against poverty and terrorism.

As the international community grapples with the implications of Trump’s decision, one thing is clear: the stakes are high for Somalia, the region, and the world.

The U.S. must weigh the short-term costs of aid against the long-term benefits of a stable and secure Somalia. In doing so, it must also consider the broader geopolitical landscape and the moral imperative to stand by a nation in need. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but the consequences of inaction are too great to ignore.

–

Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed, Foreign Policy Journalist and Communications Specialist

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In the inaugural year of implementing the Strategy, USAID has significantly increased its climate-related investments, launched innovative initiatives, and expanded its efforts to address the global climate crisis across more countries than ever before.

Administrator Samantha Power introduced the Strategy in April 2022, outlining USAID’s comprehensive approach to reducing worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, aiding partner countries in building resilience against climate change through the implementation of the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), and enhancing the Agency’s operations.

During Fiscal Year 2022, USAID successfully preserved over 60 million hectares of carbon-rich lands, including tropical forests, encompassing an area larger than California. The Agency mobilized more than $340 million in public and private financing to support countries in adapting to climate change, a critical contribution considering the existing shortfall in climate adaptation investments globally.

Additionally, USAID collaborated with nations to provide clean power to millions of people while simultaneously reducing emissions, employing measures such as competitive renewable energy auctions and enhanced energy efficiency initiatives.

USAID says it has also advanced climate-positive development practices throughout its operations, recognizing the profound impact of the climate crisis on all aspects of sustainable development. For instance, the Agency provided 250,000 farmers in Bangladesh with access to real-time and location-specific weather advisories, resulting in an average savings of $467 for farmers by avoiding losses caused by climate-related disasters—a crucial financial buffer in a country where the average annual income is less than $3,000. Furthermore, USAID launched and funded several new initiatives that promote gender-equitable climate action, including the establishment of the USAID Climate Gender Equity Fund.

The Agency has taken significant strides toward making its own operations more environmentally sustainable. On June 20, the General Services Administration announced its commitment to fully electrify and install heat pumps at USAID’s headquarters using funds allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act, thereby transforming the building into a net-zero emissions facility.

These achievements build upon USAID’s broader endeavors to foster responsible stewardship of environmental and natural resources. Earlier this month, USAID revealed that its Save Our Seas Initiative successfully prevented the equivalent of 6.5 billion plastic bottles from polluting the oceans in 2022.

While acknowledging that much work lies ahead, USAID recognizes the need for increased investment and ambition to address the scale of the climate crisis. The Agency remains committed to building upon this foundation throughout the critical decade for climate action.

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The funding will support the preparation of water and sanitation investment projects in Africa, through the provision of grants and technical assistance to African countries and regional economic communities.

The African Water Facility, an initiative of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), is hosted by the African Development Bank. It is the only African project preparation facility solely focused on addressing water and sanitation issues in Africa.

This helps African countries achieve the objectives and targets set by the water-related Sustainable Development Goals and African Water Vision 2025. It does this by the preparation of innovative water and sanitation projects across the continent.

Access to water and sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa remains poor. Approximately 400 million people lack basic water supply services, while over 700 million people have no access to decent sanitation. Nearly 200 million people still practice open defecation, and 750 million people have no access to hygiene. Achieving water security and sanitation for all requires large-scale investment in water supply and sanitation, improved governance of water resources and operations, and the design of climate-resilient infrastructure.

Since inception, the Facility has provided €205 million in grant funding for water and sanitation projects in Africa and enabled over €1.7 billion in downstream investment in the water and sanitation sector.

“This USAID financing affirms growing international support for the African Water Facility as a trusted partner and resource for Africa’s water sector.  We thank the United States for the funding commitment that will contribute to scaling up the Facility’s work and positively impacting more people across the continent,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, African Development Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.

Under its 2022 – 2027 Strategy, USAID aims to reach 22 million people with access to safe drinking water and 22 million people with access to sanitation over five years.

The African Water Facility is raising millions of euros to develop investments that will accelerate public and private sector financing of the water sector and deployment of innovation to improve service delivery. The support from USAID comes in the lead up to its 2023 funding dialogue in Paris this October, where the facility will engage donors, beneficiary governments, multilateral and international organizations to enhance financing for water and sanitation investment projects in Africa.

“The negative impacts of inadequate access to water and sanitation and poor management of water resources are seen in many countries in Africa. The African Water Facility exists to accelerate viable, climate responsive investments by providing grants, technical assistance, and developing catalytic and innovative projects to improve water and sanitation service delivery and water governance in Africa,” Mtchera Chirwa, Coordinator for the African Water Facility, said.

The Facility’s revised Strategic Plan 2017–2025 will endeavour to mobilise resources to increase the delivery of bankable investment projects in water and sanitation across the continent. This is expected to enable access to climate-resilient and safely managed water supply for 2.6 million people and provide basic sanitation facilities to 2.4 million people.

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This announcement builds on the long-standing partnership between the United States and Ireland to combat global hunger and food insecurity.

“In a new co-partnership that invests over $75 million in sub-Saharan Africa, USAID will work with Congress to provide $38.6 million and Irish Aid will contribute at least $37 million to support the transformation of food systems to become more climate resilient, provide more nutritious food to the population, create a green energy transition from agricultural waste, and support sustainable economic growth, including increased income for farmers, including female farmers,” a joint statement by the two agencies said.

As part of this investment, USAID and Ireland will launch an Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Innovation Sprint and work with a group of private-sector businesses to help them diversify and expand their agricultural production with technical assistance.

In Malawi, for example, we are partnering with Pyxus Agriculture and Malawi Mangoes Ltd; investments in these efforts are expected to leverage more than $200 million in private-sector funding.

“Our partnership in sub-Saharan Africa builds upon long-standing cooperation in nutrition and food security. Last year, for example, Administrator Samantha Power led a call to action and USAID contributed $200 million to initiate a pledging effort for donors to respond to the global food crisis, to which Ireland contributed €50 million ($54 million),” it added.

USAID’s $200 million investment enabled an additional 2.5 million children to be treated for severe wasting in 13 countries. Ireland’s $54 million investment will help reach up to 500,000 additional children with services for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of wasting.

Ireland’s own history with famine has driven the country’s leadership to combat global hunger and child wasting today.

“The Irish commitment to prevent others from suffering famine has resulted in the country’s outsized impact in the spaces of nutrition, food security, and increasingly gender responsive climate action and food systems transformation,”  the two agencies said.

USAID and Irish Aid will continue to partner against food insecurity. These commitments represent Ireland’s and the United States’ shared values, partnership, leadership, and commitment to people facing severe malnutrition and threat of famine.

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