Rwanda’s President Kagame endorsed Trump’s proposal to close USAID, surprising CNN’s correspondent by acknowledging potential benefits from reduced aid. Trump criticized USAID for corruption, while Kagame recognized Rwanda’s historic reliance on it for health and development. The evolving situation raises concerns about the future of international aid and its impact on developing countries.
Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, surprised CNN’s Larry Madowo by expressing full agreement with Donald Trump’s proposal to close the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides global humanitarian aid. Trump recently declared his intent on social media, condemning USAID for alleged corruption and inefficiency. Kagame acknowledged Rwanda’s dependency on US aid but suggested that pain could offer valuable lessons for future growth. USAID has historically supported Rwanda’s development, significantly impacting health and education over decades.
The US Agency for International Development was established in 1961 to alleviate global poverty and support economic growth in developing countries. For Rwanda, USAID has contributed significantly to public health, reducing child mortality and enhancing education since the 1960s. Recent calls to dismantle USAID reflect broader criticisms from Trump’s administration, emphasizing a shift away from established international aid practices and reduction of government programs perceived as ineffective.
Kagame’s remarks underscored a complicated relationship between a leader of a nation dependent on US aid and support for a major reduction in that funding source. The destiny of USAID and its role in global humanitarian efforts remain uncertain as political dynamics shift in the US. The implications could reverberate in global aid dependency, especially for nations like Rwanda that have benefited greatly from such initiatives.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
