The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) reduced its support for the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), the Election Resource Center (ERC) and the Counseling Services Unit (CSU).
“We did have to cut some funding. We have regular safeguards and checks on how the money is used,” U.S. Embassy spokesman David McGuire told AFP.
McGuire said USAID provided about $250 million aid to Zimbabwe annually.
Okay Machisa, director of ZimRights, confirmed the cut in funds, but vowed to continue work.
“It has dented our programs, but it does not mean we are closing shop. We have other work that is supported by other partners,” Machisa told AFP.
Zimbabwe is holding presidential, parliamentary and local elections at the end of this month under international scrutiny after previous elections during Mugabe’s 37-year rule were marred by graft and violence.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75, who took over from Mugabe, has promised a free, fair and credible poll.
Mnangagwa, of the ruling ZANU-PF party, is facing off against main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, 40, from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, in a presidential race that has 23 candidates.
The U.S. Embassy said on Twitter that “as a result of regular internal oversight, USAID became aware of the possible misuse of U.S. assistance funding.”
Post published in: Business
Many of Zimbabwe’s NGOs are a waste of time and money!
the ground is now becoming level because these organizations are just pro-opposition chete. basa chairo raive rekuita noise paMedia then mari yoiswa vabva varova saka now tave kuti advantage Mnangagwa.