A recent executive order by the US President Donal Trump has resulted in a near-total freeze of U.S. foreign aid globally for 90 days. This action has substantial consequences for the Horn of Africa, a region that depends significantly on U.S. assistance for humanitarian aid, security initiatives, and development projects. Given existing challenges such as widespread food shortages, active conflicts, and vulnerable healthcare systems, the suspension of aid raises serious questions about the region’s ability to manage the intensifying crisis.
Here some key projects in Horn horn of africa Africa that has confirmed have closed:
Ethiopia
According to the Tigray Disaster Risk Management Commission, food aid has been suspended for over one million people in Ethiopia. Additionally, the country’s Ministry of Health has terminated the contracts of 5,000 workers nationwide. These workers were involved in essential services such as HIV and malaria prevention, vaccination programs, and providing support to vulnerable women dealing with war-related trauma.
Somalia
In Somalia, roughly 50 health centers servicing more than 19,000 people/month including children are closed because health workers are not being paid.
Sudan
The International Rescue Committee reports that in Khartoum, Sudan, 90 community kitchens have been shut down due to the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in over half a million people losing reliable access to food.
South Sudan
In South Sudan, the International Rescue Committee closed a project providing access to quality health care and nutrition services to more than 115,000 people.