A US Congressman, Scott Perry, has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, through its financial aid programmes. Perry made the claim during a subcommittee hearing on government efficiency, stating that millions of US taxpayer dollars were being misused.
Perry’s accusations, which have gone viral, coincide with concerns raised by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who called on the United Nations to investigate the funding sources of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
Musa highlighted that many insurgents captured by the Nigerian military were found with foreign currencies, prompting questions about how they receive funding and equipment. He suggested the possibility of an international conspiracy behind the sustained insurgency.
USAID, which provides foreign aid to over 120 countries, is facing increasing scrutiny, especially from conservative lawmakers. The agency’s operations have been further complicated by the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce its funding and staff, raising concerns among humanitarian groups.
The controversy deepened with the dismissal of USAID’s Inspector General, Paul Martin, after his report criticized the agency’s operational challenges due to budget cuts. The future of USAID remains uncertain, with potential plans to merge its operations with the State Department.
