American University of Afghanistan says US grant freeze stems from accountability gaps

The United States has stopped paying a $25 million grant to the American University of Afghanistan, creating a major financial gap for the institution.

The State Department press office told Deutsche Welle that the decision stems from the university's history of repeated lack of accountability for millions of American taxpayer dollars. The university serves approximately 1,000 students, roughly three-quarters of whom are women. Because the Taliban have occupied the physical campus, students attend classes through an online program from home. They often use aliases and keep their cameras off during lectures.

One student, who goes by the name Laila for safety, studies political science and international studies. She learned of the funding cut via an email. Laila noted that some peers have received threatening calls and that officials have searched her home several times. She said, "It's always in the back of my head that maybe tomorrow it's my turn." She had expected to graduate years ago and pursue a master's degree abroad.

The university opened in 2006 with initial support from the Bush administration. Former first lady Laura Bush announced the US commitment, stating the school would train future leaders, particularly women. Patrick Fine, who served as the Afghanistan mission director at USAID, recalled that agency officials viewed the project as risky. He described the effort as an attempt to stabilize a young democracy and build goodwill.

Concerns over financial management surfaced early. US inspectors began investigating the university's finances in 2016. By 2018, they reported that poor accounting made it difficult to track exactly how aid money was spent. John Sopko, a former US federal inspector who oversaw the probe, told DW, "I was surprised they were still funding AUAF."

Fine rejected the State Department's reasoning as smear tactics. He acknowledged that earlier audits found the university struggled with USAID's extensive rules but said they did not find major fraud. He called the university a worthy investment because it remains one of the few organizations reaching Afghan women.

The United States has provided nearly 90% of the university's funding since 2018, according to a US report. The State Department said the university is free to find other funders and partners. Without the refused $25 million grant, the institution faces an uncertain future.