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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24434, member: 2262"] USAID Announces Global Staff Leave, Recalls American Workers. The United States Agency for International Development will place its worldwide staff on administrative leave starting Friday. The agency ordered all American citizens working abroad to return home. USAID staff leave begins before midnight Friday, marking a major shift under President Donald Trump's new policies. The change affects most direct-hire personnel, except those handling critical tasks and core leadership roles. "Essential workers will receive notice by Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST," USAID stated on its website. The decision puts 35,000 jobs at risk in Kenya alone, with more affected worldwide. USAID runs health and emergency programs in 120 countries, serving as part of U.S. efforts to counter rivals through humanitarian aid. The agency plans to bring staff home within 30 days, covering travel costs. It will end most Personal Services Contracts and Institutional Support Contracts deemed non-essential. Some workers may stay longer due to family needs or safety concerns. These include school schedules, medical care, and pregnancy. The agency promised details soon about requesting exceptions. This change comes as the U.S. froze $13 million meant for Kenya's security mission in Haiti. The UN shared this news Tuesday, surprising Kenyan officials. "The U.S. had pledged $15 million. After spending $1.7 million, $13.3 million remains frozen," said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The Haiti mission relies on voluntary support despite UN approval. About 900 officers from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize serve there. [/QUOTE]

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