The European Union has temporarily suspended funding to the World Food Organization (WFP) in Somalia.
The move came after an investigation by the United Nations revealed widespread theft and abuse of its aid.
The European Union wanted to give funds to the United Nations World Food Program to prevent famine in Somalia
The European Union gave more than 7 million dollars to the WFP last year, part of the more than 1 billion dollars it received, according to the United Nations data.
Balazs Ujvari, a spokesman for the European Commission, neither confirmed nor denied the temporary suspension but said: “Until now, the European Union has not informed its UN partners of the financial impact of the projects financed by the European Union.
“However, we will continue to monitor the situation and adhere to our zero-tolerance approach to corruption, or misconduct.” said Balazs Ujvari.
WFP did not respond to the decision of the European Union.
A senior EU official said the decision was taken after a UN investigation found that landowners, local authorities, members of the security forces and aid workers were all involved in stealing aid meant for vulnerable people. .
The official, who declined to be named, said the aid will be restored when WFP meets additional requirements, such as vetting partners in Somalia.
The UN investigation revealed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) were forced to pay half of the WFP cash assistance they received, under the threat of deportation, detention or deregistration from beneficiary lists.
Three months ago, WFP and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) suspended food aid to Ethiopia in response to widespread aid diversion.
