Somalia Faces Economic Strain After U.S. Cuts Foreign Aid, Official Says

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia is adjusting to a tightening economic situation after the United States reduced its foreign aid, the country’s state minister for foreign affairs said.

Ali Omar Ali [Ali Balcad] said that Washington still has strategic interests in Somalia, particularly in counterterrorism cooperation against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

“We have recognized this change and are trying to adapt,” Ali Balcad said, adding that the U.S. aid cuts are not unique to Somalia but reflect a broader global review of foreign assistance programs.

Over the past year, Washington has tightened its foreign aid policies, placing many programs under review, suspension, or restructuring.

Within Somalia, the changes have disrupted parts of the aid system that long supported humanitarian assistance and development services.

In early this month, the U.S. State Department announced it had suspended aid to Somalia’s federal government, citing allegations that Somali officials had damaged a World Food Programme facility supported by donors and misappropriated aid supplies.

GAROWE ONLINE