US Reduces Foreign Aid for Democracy Programs in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela
The United States has cut foreign aid aimed at promoting democracy in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, leading to the cancellation of most International Republican Institute programs and leaving its future uncertain. Concerns have been raised over the implications of these cuts for democracy and opposition rights in these countries, particularly as repression grows.
The United States has made a substantial reduction in foreign aid programs aimed at promoting democracy in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, cutting funding for initiatives supporting political prisoners and opposition groups. The State Department concluded that these programs did not align with what it deemed “national interest,” as reported by Havana Times on March 6, referencing a report from Confidencial.
This decision has led to the cancellation of 92 out of 95 International Republican Institute (IRI) programs in these countries, with three Venezuelan initiatives currently on hold following an executive order mandating a 90-day suspension of foreign aid by President Donald Trump. Without necessary funding, the future of IRI has become precarious, with organizational leaders indicating that survival is at stake, potentially lasting only a few more weeks without financial assistance.
Daniel Twining, President of IRI, expressed concern during discussions with congressional staff, noting, “cuts to democracy promotion would only benefit dictators in places like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.” Furthermore, the funding cuts have extended to 175 additional IRI programs worldwide, which depend on the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), currently unable to access allocated government funds.
Similarly, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), which works alongside IRI in furthering democracy, has experienced a significant loss of funding for nearly 100 programs, leaving only one active initiative in Venezuela. As a result, many staff members at IRI, NED, and NDI have been placed on leave or have lost their positions altogether.
These funding cancellations coincide with heightened repression against religious freedom and political dissent in Nicaragua, where President Daniel Ortega has targeted the Catholic Church. Recent reports indicate the expulsion of religious sisters, the exile of bishops, and prohibitions against priests administering Last Rites in medical settings, further compounding the challenges facing opposition and religious organizations.
The recent cuts to foreign aid by the United States have significant implications for democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. With numerous programs halted or canceled, organizations such as the IRI and NDI face mounting difficulties. The situation reflects a broader trend of repression against political opposition and religious freedom in Nicaragua, raising concerns about the future of democratic governance in these nations.
Original Source: catholicvote.org
