Congressional Black Caucus Statement on U.S. Aid Suspension to Somalia

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"In recent days, the State Department announced the suspension of all U.S. assistance to Somalia's federal government following reports that Somali officials destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Program warehouse and confiscated 76 metric tons of food aid intended for vulnerable civilians.

"Reports regarding the WFP warehouse are concerning and must be addressed diplomatically with the Somali federal government. At the same time, we urge the Trump Administration to immediately resume any suspended food aid to Somalia's most vulnerable populations. Cutting off humanitarian assistance risks exacerbating conflict and instability in a country where nearly five million people require lifesaving aid to survive.

"The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to supporting policies that promote human rights across the African continent."