Assistance to Somali Transitional Government

Assistance to Somali Transitional Federal Government

Question: Is the U.S. providing financial assistance to the Somali Transitional Federal Government?

Answer: The United States is the largest bilateral donor to the Somali people, providing approximately $30 million in assistance annually. However, the U.S. does not provide direct assistance to the Somalia Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Since the Transitional Federal Government remains resident in Nairobi and has not yet established itself as a functioning government inside Somalia, significant donor assistance is precluded at this time.

U.S. assistance to a prospective Somali government is also constrained by the country’s outstanding arrears on its debt, which causes Somalia to fall under statutory provisions that restrict U.S. aid. Somalia’s debt to the United States is approximately $608 million, with $495 million in arrears since 1989. The Horn of Africa Act does permit certain kinds of assistance to Somalia, but requires it to be funneled through private voluntary organizations and certain international organizations.

2005/234 Released on February 24, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 24, 2005 Question Taken at February 23, 2005 Daily Press Briefing