The suspension of USAID funding by President Donald Trump has intensified negative perceptions of international aid in the Sahel region, according to a new report by Insecurity Insight.
The funding freeze has fueled criticism, disinformation, and geopolitical tensions, particularly online.
The report, which analyzed online discussions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, reveals a surge in negative sentiment towards NGOs and international donors following President Trump’s January 20th, 2025 executive order freezing USAID funding. This sentiment is often intertwined with nationalist and pro-Russian rhetoric.
Online discussions show a significant increase in criticisms of international aid, with many users expressing concerns about economic dependency, corruption, and perceived Western interference. The report highlights a rise in pro-Russian narratives, portraying Russia as a more reliable and respectful partner compared to the West.
The USAID funding freeze has exacerbated geopolitical tensions, with some users viewing it as a sign of declining Western commitment to the region. The suppression of pro-aid voices online and the expulsion of some NGOs from Niger illustrate the shrinking humanitarian space.
This anti-aid sentiment has manifested in concrete actions, including the expulsion of NGOs from Niger and increasing difficulties for humanitarian organizations operating in the region. The report warns that the suppression of pro-aid voices online is contributing to a shrinking humanitarian space.
The USAID funding freeze reflects President Trump’s “America First” approach and his long-standing skepticism towards foreign aid. This decision has disrupted numerous humanitarian programs in Africa and Asia, impacting critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
The report highlights the unintended consequences of the USAID funding freeze, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the potential impact of aid policies on local perceptions and the humanitarian space. The rise in anti-aid sentiment and geopolitical tensions underscores the complex challenges facing the Sahel region.
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA