Unlike previous aid suspensions involving Afghanistan and Yemen, when US officials cited concerns that assistance could be diverted by terrorist organizations, the latest decision was justified on the grounds that there is “no strong connection between the humanitarian response and US national interests”.

Nine other countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, will continue to receive assistance under a restructured mechanism developed in coordination with the United Nations. The US State Department said it is “responsibly transitioning aid programs to new mechanisms”.

According to the UN, at least 6.2 million people in the 7 countries facing the termination of US assistance are currently experiencing conditions classified as “extremely severe or catastrophic”.