The U.S. has drastically cut foreign aid for democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, resulting in the cancellation of most programs by IRI. The remaining programs are uncertain due to funding issues, jeopardizing the future of these initiatives and affecting employees. This reduction occurs amid growing repression of religious and political freedoms in these countries.
The United States has significantly reduced its foreign aid aimed at democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, discontinuing support for programs that assisted political prisoners, opposition activists, and religious organizations. This decision is based on the State Department’s determination that such initiatives do not align with the national interest, as reported by Havana Times on March 6, citing Confidencial’s findings.
As a result of these funding cuts, 92 out of 95 initiatives previously managed by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in the affected regions have been canceled. Although three remaining programs addressing issues in Venezuela are on hold, they follow a 90-day suspension of foreign aid funding initiated by President Trump’s executive order.
These funding reductions pose serious challenges for IRI, with leadership warning congressional staff in Florida that the organization can only sustain its operations for a few more weeks without financial support. IRI President Daniel Twining stated that the loss of democracy promotion funding could enhance the power of dictators in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Moreover, 175 other IRI programs globally are now precarious due to a halt in government-allocated funds from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Similarly, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has lost funding for nearly 100 programs, leaving just one active project in Venezuela.
Many employees engaged in these initiatives across IRI, NED, and NDI have been placed on leave or laid off as a consequence of the funding cuts. This coincides with an increase in the suppression of religious freedom and political dissent in Nicaragua under President Daniel Ortega’s administration, which has reportedly targeted the Catholic Church and expelled numerous religious organizations from the country.
The United States has significantly curtailed its foreign aid for democracy initiatives in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, leading to the cancellation of countless vital programs. This move threatens the sustainability of organizations like IRI and NDI, leaving their employees in precarious positions as they navigate the funding void. The drastic decline in support coincides with increasing repression of political and religious freedoms in these nations, highlighting the challenging climate for opposition and religious groups amidst an era of escalating authoritarianism.
Original Source: catholicvote.org
