US Reduces Foreign Aid for Democracy Promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela

The United States has reduced foreign aid for democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, canceling 92 out of 95 International Republican Institute (IRI) programs. The IRI and National Democratic Institute (NDI) are facing severe funding shortages, jeopardizing their operations. This aid cut occurs amid increasing repression of political opposition and religious freedom in Nicaragua under President Ortega’s regime.

The United States has made a substantial reduction in foreign aid directed towards democracy promotion in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, ceasing funding for initiatives that supported political prisoners, opposition activists, and religious organizations. This decision was announced following the State Department’s assessment that such initiatives did not align with U.S. national interests, as reported by Havana Times on March 6, 2023.

As a result of these cuts, 92 out of 95 programs previously executed by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in the region have been canceled. Although three programs focused on Venezuela remain, they have been put on hold following President Donald Trump’s executive order, which temporarily suspended foreign aid for a 90-day period.

The reductions in funding have left the future of IRI highly uncertain. During discussions with congressional staff in Florida, representatives from IRI cautioned that the organization could not sustain operations for much longer without financial support, projecting survival for only a few weeks.

Daniel Twining, President of IRI, highlighted that “cuts to democracy promotion would only benefit dictators in places like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.” The funding cuts have also placed 175 other IRI programs globally in jeopardy, as they depend on financial support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which is currently unable to access its allocated government funds.

Moreover, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), which collaborates with IRI in advancing democracy, faces similar challenges, having lost funding for nearly 100 programs, with only one remaining operational in Venezuela. Consequently, many employees involved in these initiatives, including those at IRI, NED, and NDI, have faced layoffs or been placed on leave, according to reports by Havana Times.

These cancellations of aid programs emerge within the context of increasing suppression of religious freedom and political opposition in Nicaragua, where governmental actions under President Daniel Ortega have targeted the Catholic Church and expelled several religious organizations. Reports have documented the expulsion of religious sisters, exile of bishops, and restrictions preventing priests from administering Last Rites in hospitals.

The United States’ decision to cut foreign aid aimed at promoting democracy in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela reflects a significant policy shift, raising concerns about the future of democratic institutions in these nations. With a substantial reduction in funding for key organizations such as the IRI and NDI, the ability to support democracy and religious freedom in these regions may be critically compromised. Such actions could further entrench authoritarianism while exacerbating the crises faced by political dissidents and religious groups.

Original Source: catholicvote.org