The European Union (EU) executive has temporarily halted its funding for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia, according to two senior EU officials. This decision comes after a United Nations investigation revealed extensive theft and misappropriation of aid intended to prevent famine in the country.
The European Commission provided over $7 million in aid to the WFP’s operations in Somalia last year, a portion of the more than $1 billion in donations the WFP received from various sources, as per U.N. data.
It remains uncertain whether EU member states will also suspend their aid to the WFP.
Balazs Ujvari, a spokesperson for the European Commission, did not confirm or deny the specific temporary suspension but emphasized the EU’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach regarding fraud, corruption, or misconduct. Ujvari stated, “So far, the EU has not been informed by its U.N. partners of a financial impact on EU-funded projects. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor the situation and abide by our zero-tolerance approach.”
One senior EU official disclosed that the decision to suspend aid was made following the U.N.’s findings, which implicated landowners, local authorities, members of the security forces, and humanitarian workers in the theft of aid meant for vulnerable populations. This official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that aid would be reinstated once the WFP met certain conditions, including the vetting of partners operating in Somalia. This decision was confirmed by a second senior EU official.
