$1.3 Billion in Aid Halted: Afghanistan Faces Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Tawazon – The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has reported in its latest quarterly review that the United States government has halted nearly all of its aid programs in Afghanistan following a comprehensive evaluation of its foreign assistance. Only two programs have been exempted from this suspension.
According to the report, this extensive review followed a reassessment of U.S. foreign aid policies. SIGAR head John Sopko stated that the decision reflects the United States’ new foreign policy priorities and objectives.
SIGAR’s 67th quarterly report highlights that in March, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) informed Congress that only 9 out of nearly 900 global programs remained operational in Afghanistan. However, after a final review concluded on April 30, even these remaining programs were discontinued.
Over the past three months, 22 aid programs — collectively worth $1.3 billion — have been terminated. These included emergency food aid, maternal and child healthcare, tuberculosis research, refugee support, and educational programs for girls.
The report further notes that USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance ended all 16 of its Afghanistan-focused programs as of April 5, 2025. These programs had a combined value exceeding $765 million.
As a result, operational activities of partner organizations have significantly declined. Many staff, particularly women, have been laid off. A United Nations official informed SIGAR that at least 1,313 women have lost their jobs due to these cuts.
Only two U.S.-funded programs remain active:
1. STEM Scholarships for Afghan Girls: Supporting 59 female Afghan students currently studying in Qatar and Turkey. Originally set to run until 2028, this program will now end on June 30, 2025.
2. Online Education Support through the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF): This program benefits 1,007 Afghan students pursuing virtual studies and is set to continue through December 31, 2026.
SIGAR emphasizes that this shift marks an unprecedented reduction in the United States’ role in humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Afghanistan. The withdrawal is having a profound impact on the economic conditions of many Afghans, particularly women.
