US Suspends Ethiopia Food Aid Amid Widespread Government Theft Scheme

USAID has halted food assistance to Ethiopia after uncovering a coordinated campaign diverting donations from millions of citizens in need.
The Ethiopian government orchestrated the theft, with military units and private traders benefitting as aid was sold on markets instead of reaching intended recipients.
The US is the largest donor to Ethiopia, providing $1.8 billion in aid this year, much of which was food assistance for over 20 million Ethiopians suffering drought, war and economic crisis.
Investigations found "the largest scale diversion...in recent history," according to American officials, further straining US-Ethiopia relations.
Aid is suspended until reforms are implemented to ensure integrity, though other aid like treatment for malnourished children continues.