Armenia in uncertainty: USAID funding suspended

As of February 4, 2025, Armenian organizations with ties to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are left in uncertainty, unsure of the future of numerous programs that were set to receive funding from the agency.

Reports from Armenian media highlight the significant impact of the White House’s decision to freeze nearly all US foreign aid for 90 days, per Caliber.Az.

This freeze has greatly affected Armenian media outlets, NGOs, and the civil sector.

For example, the Zhoghovurd daily reached out to Ashot Melikian, Chairman of the Committee for Protection of Freedom of Speech, for comment on the matter. The Committee, which had been managing a grant program funded by USAID, expressed confusion over conflicting reports.

Melikian stated that no expenditures would take place until further instructions were provided. He added that there is no clear information on what the future holds, including whether the program would continue. The US Attorney’s Office has expressed that the freeze contradicts the law and should be reviewed in court.

Tatul Hakobyan, coordinator of the ANI Armenian Research Centre, also voiced concern over the situation, stating that it presents a difficult challenge for Armenia’s civil society and media landscape.

According to Civilnet, many media outlets and NGOs involved in educational and media development projects in Armenia rely on US State Department funding. One such initiative is the Hetq Media Factory, an educational project aimed at training a new generation of Armenian media professionals and investigative journalists.

In 2023, USAID launched a five-year, $15 million program in Armenia, which has also been put on hold due to the freeze. This disruption has caused significant issues for Factor TV, which was running a watchdog program, and some Civilnet programs that received partial funding from USAID.

By Tamilla Hasanova