Arikana Chihombori-Quao, a Zimbabwean and former ambassador of the African Union to the US, argues that the demise of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a major relief to Africa and a cause for celebration.
Chihombori-Quao tells Al Jazeera host Steve Clemons that USAID doesn’t have much to show for its decades of education and healthcare projects in Africa and often destabilised countries under the guise of environmental, human rights or social justice agendas.
“We need to understand the real reason why USAID is in Africa, and not just USAID, but other NGOs. They are coming in claiming that they’re introducing grassroots initiatives that are going to help the people, and so they use that as a way to go into the most remote parts of Africa. When you look at it on paper, it all looks really good, but they’re actually wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
“They’re using that open access, sounding humanitarian, to constantly destabilize governments”.
“The American taxpayer needs to know the billions of dollars that are being given to USAID. A fraction is making it to the people”.
“They’re using that open access sounding humanitarian to constantly destabilize governments. I can tell you right now, the majority of African leaders, and not just African leaders, but leaders in the developing world are celebrating the exit of USAID.
If you think about it, their sole purpose, for example, filling in the gaps in healthcare and education, where is the change? Show me one country that USAID was in and education improved. Show me what country where USAID was in and healthcare improved?”
Related
- Arikana Chihombori-Quao is a medical doctor and activist. She is also a public speaker, educator, diplomat, medical clinic founder, and entrepreneur.