U.S. inspector faults USAID over continued Afghan funding
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 31 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. inspector faults USAID over continued Afghan funding, 31 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/533144c914.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 31, 2014
Auditors have warned that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) continues to provide money to Afghan government ministries – even though the Afghan ministries usually can't manage or account for the funding.
The U.S. Congress has voted to provide more than $1 billion to Afghanistan this year.
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which oversees aid to Afghanistan for the U.S. Congress, published the report on January 30.
It says that "USAID contractors assessed 16 Afghan ministries and found they are unable to manage and account for funds."
The report also said USAID "waived its own requirements" for direct assistance without insisting Afghan ministries fix problems before the disbursement of U.S. funds.
But the U.S. State Department says it disagrees with "the impression left" by the audit.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said direct aid to Kabul was sent "through rigorous accountable mechanisms that maintain U.S. government control of funds throughout the process."
The Afghan government has for years been plagued by accusations of corruption.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website