EU suspends aid to Somalia due to widespread theft amid hunger crisis
The European Union has temporarily suspended food aid to Somalia following a UN investigation uncovering extensive theft and misuse of aid intended to alleviate famine in the country.
The EU contributed over $7 million in aid to the World Food Organization (WFP) in Somalia last year, as part of the more than $1 billion received by the WFP, according to UN data. It is currently unclear whether other forms of assistance to Somalia will also be suspended.
This decision resulted from the UN’s findings that landowners, local authorities, security forces, and aid workers were involved in coordinated theft. The EU will consider resuming funding once the WFP meets additional requirements, such as separating its operations in Somalia.
On Monday, the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations active in the Horn of Africa nation disclosed that 4.3 million Somalis are grappling with hunger and require immediate assistance, primarily due to adverse weather conditions and ongoing conflicts.
Despite the positive impact of 2023 rains and sustained humanitarian support, 1.5 million children are expected to face acute malnutrition between October and December, according to a joint statement from these aid organizations, including the WFP.
In late August, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that the expected El Nino whether phenomenon might impact 1.2 million individuals in Somalia starting from October.
