Political Reporter
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has directed that the US$10 million it had previously availed to the National Democratic Institute (NDI), to map out an election programme ahead of the 2023 elections should now be used to sponsor electoral activities of the MDC Alliance.
An impeccable source privy with the details said the US Embassy last week called the NDI Country Director, Arnold Tsunga and directed him that the grant that was meant to fund about 100 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that would be involved in influencing grassroots activism especially in the rural areas, should now be availed to MDC Alliance as that party’s coffers were in the red.
According to the source, the money would now be used to finance the MDC Alliance’s mass mobilization programmes, party workshops and other strategic meetings.
“Last week the US Embassy called Mr Tsunga and told him that the US$10 million that was meant to sponsor CSOs activities ahead of the 2023 elections should be diverted to sponsor MDC Alliance programmes. The party’s coffers were in the red because the donor funds had dried up. This grant will go a long way in rejuvenating the party ahead of 2023 elections,” said the source.
According to the source, the large chunk of the funds is currently being used to finance that party’s ambitious mobilization strategy, #6 Million Voter Registration Campaign. Some of the funds were set aside for the purchase of regalia, printing of party cards as well as travel and subsistence allowances for the teams that are spearheading the mobilization programmes.
The same source added that Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) involved in influencing grassroots activism, especially in the rural areas, would also benefit from the grant. The idea is to assist the MDC Alliance to penetrate the rural areas which are known ZANU PF strongholds.
USAID’s meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal political affairs has increased over the months. Last week, this publication reported that the United States’ State Department, through the USAID, availed US$105 million to CSOs in Zimbabwe meant to promote democracy and good governance, media reforms and supporting devolution programmes.
The CSOs that deal with democracy and good governance in the country will get the large portion of the US$70 million to sponsor its activities. Organisations that deal with devolution support programmes would get US$25 million, while those that deal with media reforms are earmarked to get US$10 million.
