Political Reporter

The National Democratic Institute (NDI), known for its political interference in Zimbabwe, is reportedly ceasing its operations in the country by the end of December this year.

Sources close to the matter attribute this shutdown to financial mismanagement by its former Chief of Party, Arnold Tsunga.

According to the source, "Tsunga severely misused funds disbursed by the NDI, which were intended for promoting regime change in Zimbabwe. His actions not only bankrupted the organisation but also deviated from its core mission."

The source added that the NDI's objective in Zimbabwe, primarily focused on supporting regime change initiatives, seems to have been undermined by these financial irregularities.

According to the source, the departure of the NDI from Zimbabwe was also hastened by internal conflicts involving Tsunga’s replacement and that organisation’s finance director.

"The new Chief of Party who replaced Tsunga was constantly at odds with the organisation's finance director creating an unworkable environment," added the source.

Attempts by the NDI's international leadership to rectify the situation proved unproductive, leading to the decision to withdraw from Zimbabwe.

"It was concluded that ceasing operations was in the best interest of the organisation, considering the irreparable damage done," the source mentioned.

The source claimed that the staff of NDI in Zimbabwe has not yet been formally notified about the closure. However, information about the organisation's shutdown has already started circulating unofficially.

"Many employees are now seeking employment opportunities elsewhere, having learned about the closure through informal channels," the source disclosed.

Commenting on the situation, political analyst, Nobleman Runyanga stated, "It appears that the NDI has failed in its mission to instigate regime change in Zimbabwe. Since commencing operations in 2013, the organisation has continuously fallen short of its objectives."

Runyanga further noted, "The rumoured acquisition of several properties by Tsunga using NDI's funds might have contributed significantly to the organisation's financial downfall."

Efforts to reach Tsunga for comments were unsuccessful, as his mobile phones were not reachable, leaving this publication with many unanswered questions about the future of NDI and the full extent of the alleged financial mismanagement.