US officials meet SNA Chief amid suspension of food rations by US

US officials met with Somali National Army (SNA) Chief Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuyidin and other Somali leaders in the capital city, Mogadishu, on Monday. Discussions reportedly centered on counter-terrorism efforts and strengthening cooperation between the two nations.

“The meeting focused on ongoing anti-terror operations and solidifying the U.S.’s commitment to supporting the Somali Army in its fight against extremist groups,” stated a press release issued by Somali state media, SNTV.

However, this meeting comes amidst a recent U.S. decision to suspend food aid to Danab, an elite Somali army unit. The suspension follows the discovery of significant misappropriation of equipment and rations by the unit. The Somali government has acknowledged the scandal and announced the arrest of several officers suspected of involvement, though specific names have not been released. They have also emphasized their commitment to addressing the issue and preventing similar occurrences in the future.

In an interview with local outlet Universal TV, the Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur claimed the aid was “unintentionally misused” by some officers. An investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be made public in due course.

The suspension of U.S. aid represents a significant setback for Danab, a unit heavily reliant on U.S. support in its fight against Al-Shabaab. This incident is not an isolated case, as Somalia has a history of corruption involving humanitarian aid. A recent letter from the Somali Defense Committee, dated April 27, 2024, addressed to the Ministry of Defense, revealed that another Somali unit receiving aid, this time from the UAE, also had its aid suspended. The cause for this specific suspension remains unclear.

The European Union also took similar action last year, temporarily halting food assistance due to widespread theft.