Fingered CSOs Refuse to Abuse USAID Funds "263Chat

The Electoral Resource Center and two other organizations that hit the headlines earlier this week following reports of embezzlement by USAID refuted accusations that they were shocked. by terminating agreements without having the opportunity to be heard. Published yesterday, the ERC, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) and the Advisory Services Unit (CSU) insisted that they were producing regularly audited reports and never diverted money for any other purpose than the proposed purpose. remains a matter between them and we, in the interest of transparency and public accountability, we note that during the duration of all our agreements with development partners since 2010, regular annual financial audits sponsored by the partners and carried out by auditors in terms of our internal policies and agreements with partners In addition, monthly and quarterly financial reviews were conducted by the partners themselves and none of them raised any compliance issues or, as some suggest in some quarters, financial irregularities, "noted ERC.

ZimRights said that the end of funding from USAID had affected their programming adding that their request to provide reasons was not addressed.

"The end of USAID funding before the investigations are completed and without providing specific reasons – as a shock to the board of directors, staff, members across Zimbabwe and the general public who benefited from the programs of the organization.

"The requests of the ZimRights board of directors must be provided to answer the allegations" ZimRights admits that at no time in its with USAID funds have been misused or misappropriated.all funds have been spent on the promotion, defense and protection of human rights in the country, "said ZimRights

CSU has denied having embezzled funds from USAID arguing that any money received was intended for survivors of torture. All funds are entirely dedicated to promoting treatment, rehabilitation, security and community reintegration for survivors of torture, "said CSU

. statement earlier this week, USAID insisted that an investigation into misappropriation reports was made before the end of the agreements

"When USAID has learned the situation, an investigation was immediately launched and several issues were uncovered.These issues were addressed accordingly, "noted USAID.