The United States has cut foreign aid supporting democracy in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, canceling most programs aimed at political prisoners and opposition groups. This decision has left organizations like the International Republican Institute future uncertain, jeopardizing their operations and employment. Amid these developments, oppression of religious and political freedoms continues to escalate in Nicaragua.
The United States has notably reduced its foreign aid aimed at democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, withdrawing support for various programs that assisted political prisoners, opposition activists, and religious organizations. This decision was based on the determination by the State Department that such initiatives were deemed not to align with the national interest, as reported by Havana Times on March 6 from a Confidencial article.
As a result, the International Republican Institute (IRI) has seen the cancellation of 92 out of its 95 programs in these nations. The remaining three programs focusing on Venezuela have not been canceled but are currently suspended following an executive order from President Donald Trump, which halted foreign aid for a period of 90 days.
The future of IRI now appears precarious, as its leaders expressed concerns during a call with Florida congressional staff members. IRI President Daniel Twining warned that the lack of funding could jeopardize the organization’s sustainability, suggesting it might operate for only a few more weeks without financial support.
In addition to the programs affected in the three nations, approximately 175 IRI initiatives globally are now uncertain due to their reliance on funds from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which is currently unable to access its allocated government funding. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is facing similar challenges, having lost funding for nearly 100 programs, retaining merely one active program in Venezuela.
Consequently, many employees associated with IRI, NED, and NDI have been placed on leave, with some experiencing job loss. These aid cancellations occur amidst increasing suppression of political opposition and religious freedom in Nicaragua. Under President Daniel Ortega’s regime, there have been significant actions against the Catholic Church, including the expulsion of religious figures and restrictions on their functions.
The United States’ recent cuts to foreign aid targeted at democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela reflect a significant shift in policy and have serious implications for organizations like the IRI and NDI. As these entities face reduced funding and potential organizational collapse, the ongoing suppression of religious freedom and political opposition in these countries is anticipated to worsen, ultimately benefitting authoritarian regimes.
Original Source: catholicvote.org
