US Congressman Claims USAID Funded Boko Haram

 

US Congressman Alleges USAID Funded Boko Haram, Other Terror Groups

A U.S. Congressman, Scott Perry, has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. Perry made the claims during a recent hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, where he criticized the mismanagement of U.S. taxpayer funds allocated for foreign aid.

Perry asserted that USAID's financial support for various development and humanitarian projects in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa had inadvertently ended up in the hands of terrorist groups. He cited Boko Haram, which has been responsible for widespread violence in Nigeria and neighboring countries, as one of the groups benefiting from misappropriated aid.

The Congressman emphasized the need for stricter oversight of USAID’s operations, especially in conflict zones where terrorist groups operate. He highlighted that while U.S. foreign aid aims to support development and humanitarian efforts, poor monitoring mechanisms have made it susceptible to exploitation by insurgent groups.

USAID has previously acknowledged the challenges in ensuring that its aid does not fall into the wrong hands. A 2020 audit by the agency’s Office of Inspector General identified significant gaps in risk assessment and oversight, particularly in regions affected by terrorism. The audit underscored the difficulty of delivering aid in high-risk areas and the need for improved safeguards.

In response to past criticisms, USAID has implemented measures to enhance its oversight and prevent the diversion of funds. The agency continues to face scrutiny as it balances delivering humanitarian assistance with ensuring that U.S. taxpayer money is not used to fund terrorism.