The United States has reduced foreign aid to Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, eliminating support for democratic initiatives. The State Department deemed these programs contrary to national interests, canceling the bulk of IRI projects. The situation has jeopardized the financial viability of organizations like IRI and NDI, while political and religious freedoms continue to be undermined in affected countries.
The United States has notably reduced its foreign aid initiatives in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, nations characterized by authoritarian governance. This decision has resulted in discontinuing funding for programs aiding political prisoners, opposition activists, and religious groups, as stated in a translation by Havana Times from Confidencial’s March 6 report.
The State Department concluded these programs were no longer aligned with “national interest,” leading to the cancellation of 92 out of 95 initiatives by the International Republican Institute (IRI). Of the remaining three programs concerning Venezuela, funding has been suspended under President Donald Trump’s executive order for a 90-day freeze.
Leaders at the IRI expressed concerns regarding their financial future during discussions with congressional staff, particularly emphasizing the organization’s precarious position without funding support. IRI President Daniel Twining indicated that “cuts to democracy promotion would only benefit dictators in places like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.”
Furthermore, 175 IRI programs globally face uncertainty due to issues with funding from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which has yet to access its designated governmental funds. Similarly, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has seen funding halted for nearly 100 initiatives, retaining only one in Venezuela.
Consequently, personnel involved in these programs across IRI, NED, and NDI have experienced layoffs or temporary leave. This reduction in aid occurs amid escalating repression against religious freedoms and political opposition in Nicaragua, where President Daniel Ortega’s government has aggressively targeted the Catholic Church and pressured religious organizations out of the country.
In conclusion, the substantial cuts to foreign aid by the United States in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela have significantly hampered programs that support democracy and human rights. The cessation of funding affects not only the organizations involved but also the political landscape in these nations by potentially strengthening authoritarian leadership. The ongoing suppression of religious and political freedoms in Nicaragua further exacerbates this critical situation.
Original Source: catholicvote.org
