*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAiZu0HQbS0w1lUez3v — — — — — — — — — — — — *_MORNING NEWS | 23 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* Mnangagwa’s UAE investment adviser Paul Tungwarara swindled man US$2.3 million... He defrauded another US$300,000 *2.* Harare’s booming night economy... Illegal vendors flourish as laws take a nap *3.* ICT Minister Mavetera flounders in attempt to defend dubious PhD qualification *4.* Ghetto tax – Zimbabwean youths struggle for survival *5.* I am not Zanu PF, but war veteran: Hosiah Chipanga *6.* Judge clears way for Donald Trump administration to pull thousands of USAID staffers off the job *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* 1. *MNANGAGWA’S UAE INVESTMENT ADVISER PAUL TUNGWARARA SWINDLED MAN US$2.3 MILLION... HE DEFRAUDED ANOTHER US$300,000* President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s investment adviser to the United Arab Emirates swindled an Indian man out of US$2.3 million after selling him a property he did not own, and offering to facilitate work permits for 450 people, ZimLive can reveal. Tempter Paul Tungwarara, who has another pending police complaint by a man who claims he defrauded him of $300,000, has allegedly used his political links to suppress police investigations. Police were aware of the complaints when Mnangagwa named him “special presidential investment adviser to the UAE” in November last year. Razaa Jishan, 30, planned to set up a gaming business in Harare and was looking for land to build his company offices. He was introduced to Tungwarara. Tungwarara, according to Jishan’s police complaint under case number AFU DR 01/07/23, introduced himself as a director of a company called Prevail International. He produced a board resolution to the effect that he was authorised to sell stand number 3 Tyward Close, Ballantyne Park in the leafy suburb of Highlands. Jishan paid $1.3 million in cash to Tungwarara in five installments between October and December 2022, he told police. Tungwarara was also awarded the contract to build offices and a sceptic tank on the premises for $550,000 and $99,000 respectively. Police were told that Tungwarara also promised to secure Jishan a gaming licence, and he was given $150,000 for the purpose. Boasting of access to the president and important government offices, Tungwarara also told Jishan he could secure him 450 work permits for Indian workers for his company Rod Cell Incorporated, formerly trading as Fair Play International. Jishan told police he even relied on Tungwarara to find him an internet servive provider. “Each time he wanted money, he would threaten to switch off our internet and several times he switched off the Internet and after giving him some money would switch it on,” he said. Jishan said his worst fears were realised when, while attempting to complete transfer of the property, he discovered that it was in fact owned by a company called Hopsick Investments. Tungwarara had also not delivered on the offices, the work permits and the gaming licence. It got worse, he told police. Sometime in February 2023, Tungwarara arrived at night and locked the gate, blocking access for Jishan and his workers. He opened the gate after several hours of pleading. And then, in March 2023, Tungwarara allegedly arrived with armed men at the property and “ordered everyone to vacate the premises.” “They locked the property such that we could not get inside. That’s when I realised that I had been defrauded by Tungwarara. I lost US$2,294,000,” he said. ZimLive last week revealed how Tungwarara in 2019 borrowed US$350,000 from Jospher Chibisa claiming he had construction tenders at State House but only repaid US$64,500. Chibisa reported Tungwarara for fraud at Harare’s CID commercial crimes unit but “the docket disappeared,” he said in a November 21, 2024, letter to Mnangagwa’s wife. It was reported in February last year that the finance ministry rejected a US$15 million invoice from Tungwarara’s Paulos Construction company which was awarded a tender to build a perimeter wall around State House. It remains unclear how much the company was eventually paid. Tungwarara, also using his proximity to Mnangagwa, has won a lucrative tender to drill thousands of boreholes around the country under the so called “presidential borehole scheme.” When a section of veterans of the country’s independence war recently demanded Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation, Tungwarara was seen handing cash to war veterans around the country, promising to build them decent housing and drill each one of the liberation fighters a borehole. There are over 20,000 surviving war veterans. Tungwarara declined to answer our questions. *_-ZimLive_* 2. *HARARE’S BOOMING NIGHT ECONOMY... ILLEGAL VENDORS FLOURISH AS LAWS TAKE A NAP* As the sun dips below the horizon and Harare’s skyscrapers cast long shadows over the bustling streets, the city transforms into a vibrant open-air market. The daytime hustle of businesspeople in suits and with briefcases gives way to a different kind of energy — one fuelled by hordes of illegal vendors and marked by the cacophony of voices competing for attention. During this time, Harare turns into a sprawling marketplace, a chaotic and vibrant world where informal traders line pavements, selling everything from second-hand clothes and cheap electronic gadgets to staple foods like rice, tomatoes and potatoes. For these illegal vendors, the night is more than just an opportunity — it is a lifeline. The night is the perfect time for them to ply their trade. Not only do they avoid the prying eyes of the police, who often raid informal traders during the day, but they also catch the wave of commuters returning home from work — tired, hungry and eager for a bargain. Mr Brighton Duri, a 27-year-old father of two, is one of the hundreds of vendors who descend on Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) each night. With a solar lamp balanced precariously on a wooden crate, he sells an assortment of electrical gadgets — chargers, earphones and adapters — to passersby. “They come here because our merchandise is cheaper,” Mr Duri said, his voice hoarse from shouting above the din on the streets. “I expect better sales during this time when people are coming back from work.” He told The Sunday Mail that on a very good day he can get around US$100. “I have two children to feed,” he explained, handing a customer a grimy US$1 note as change. “This is how I survive.” The night market is a lifeline for many, but it is not without its challenges. While the daytime markets are regularly raided and dispersed by police, the streets at night become a sanctuary. Both the law and by-laws seem to take a nap. The streets, therefore, become chaotic, with vendors jostling for space and customers navigating a maze of makeshift stalls. Traffic often grinds to a halt as cars and pedestrians compete for space. *Haven for illicit trade* From smuggled goods to expired and unregulated merchandise, these vendors are not only evading regulatory oversight, but are also undercutting formal retailers, creating a ripple effect that is destabilising the city’s formal businesses. Many of the goods on offer are smuggled into the country, bypassing customs duties and taxes. Economist Mr Tinashe Chikomo said the smuggled goods are sold at prices that undercut formal retailers. “The products are mostly cheaper, because they do not go through the proper channels. “In addition to smuggled goods, expired and unregulated products are also a common sight. “Someone bought a packet of biscuits, only to discover they had expired six months ago. At night, it is hard to check labels, and the vendors are always in a hurry to make a sale. “We have actually had some people who are in the business of repackaging goods like rice in brands that are popular with consumers, selling them off to consumers as original products,” he added. Cash is king in this night economy, as products are often sold in hard currency, with vendors seeking to leverage Zimbabwe’s multi-currency system to their advantage. Some vendors purchase goods directly from manufacturers or retailers using the local currency at the official interbank rate, which is around 26 to the greenback, only to sell the same products in US dollars during their night-time operations. Their US dollar cash prices are often lower than those of brick-and-mortar formal retailers because they have less regulatory obligations. This practice is particularly damaging to formal retailers, who are bound by stricter regulations and higher overhead costs. “Retailers pay rent, salaries and taxes, and we cannot compete with vendors who have no such expenses. “They buy cheaply in the local currency and sell in dollars, making huge profits while formal retailers struggle to stay afloat,” Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu said. *A blow to formal retailers* The rise of Harare’s night economy, which is being replicated in other cities, has dealt a major blow to the country’s formal retail sector. “We used to have a steady stream of customers, but now people prefer to buy from the street vendors at night,” said Ms Grace Makoni, who runs a cosmetics shop in the CBD. It’s unfair competition, and it’s killing our businesses.” Public health expert Dr Johannes Marisa said night vending of food items poses a big risk to consumers, as many of the goods are of questionable quality and standards. “These unregulated products pose a serious risk to consumers. Expired food, counterfeit medicines and substandard electronics are flooding the market, and there is little being done to stop it,” he said. *Solution* CZR believes that despite the growing concerns, the authorities seem to be struggling to rein in the night economy. “There is also a need for the Government to take decisive action; law enforcers should not go to sleep. We need stricter enforcement of regulations and better oversight at the borders to stop the influx of smuggled goods. At the same time, we must address the currency issues that are driving this underground trade,” said Mr Mutashu. He also said a lot of structural issues need to be corrected to do away with the night economy. “And one way of closing the gaps of arbitrage is to always ensure that the exchange rate is realistic, is market-determined and it closes off the gap between the formal, the official and the unofficial exchange rate so that there is no opportunity for arbitrage.” Meanwhile, Cabinet last week announced a raft of measures to address challenges in the formal business sector. During the post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare recently, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government would address the business environment by streamlining fees, charges and minimising duplication of work by its agencies, as well as improving electricity supply. Under short-term measures, Minister Muswere said, the use of electronic money will now be compulsory for all businesses. This, he said, would be achieved through the introduction of a compulsory tax payment system to ensure that every eligible taxpayer pays tax; establishment of a domestic inter-agency team to ensure informal sector compliance with tax laws and introduction of a framework that ensures that vendor licensing by local authorities is done in consultation with the Central Government. “It will henceforth be mandatory that all vendors are promptly issued with point-of-sale machines and that they open bank accounts upon registration or licensing,” he said. *_-Sunday Mail_* 3. *ICT MINISTER MAVETERA FLOUNDERS IN ATTEMPT TO DEFEND DUBIOUS PHD QUALIFICATION* Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Tatenda Mavetera is facing a barrage of criticism regarding her alleged fabricated academic credentials, including a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD). The allegations were recently brought to light by “Dug Up,” a platform run by United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, who exposed the controversial founder and leader of Young Women for ED. Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, erupted early Saturday, with users mercilessly ridiculing Mavetera for what they perceive as a charade, following her attempts to defend herself against claims surrounding a purported PhD award that was revoked by the High Court of Zimbabwe last year. Mavetera appeared to be all at sea as she struggled to articulate her position on her current PhD studies at Midlands State University (MSU), failing to speak coherently. One X account, under the name Tawanda Mupindu, challenged Mavetera to address the rumours of her possessing a fake PhD, which Mavetera denied. “I am at the early stages of attaining one. I finished my taught courses two years ago and am now working on my proposal,” Mavetera wrote on her X account Saturday. However, former Mt Pleasant Member of Parliament and renowned lawyer, Fadzayi Mahere, took Mavetera to task, demanding an explanation as to how she intends to complete a doctorate in nine months. She also questioned why it has taken her six years to reach the proposal stage. “If you are telling the truth in your tweet, why have you been at the ‘proposal stage’ of your PhD dissertation for six years? Why has it taken you six years to get started? Why are you failing to even complete chapter one, an introductory chapter? “When did you get accepted to do a PhD at MSU? How did you get a PhD place without a substantive research proposal? Who is your thesis supervisor? “Your LinkedIn page further states you will have completed your PhD by November 2025. “How do you plan to complete a whole PhD in nine months if you’ve taken over six years to put together a research proposal? How will you balance this onerous academic burden with your role as a Cabinet minister, a Member of Parliament, and a senior party official?” Mavetera replied: “Covid and teething problems since it was a new course for Midlands State affected us. We started with 2 years taught courses. Proposal presentation started effectively last year. I did my part and personally went to present mine so we await the Higher degrees committee decision.” Mavetera also refuted claims by Dug Up that she paid an unnamed academic in Mutare to complete her PhD work on her behalf. “I wish I knew this person. Unfortunately, there is no name provided. Even to suggest that this person communicates with my supervisor, which institution in this world would allow such a thing? I am a public figure. Who would claim to be me, if they were not? I have not even started chapter one, so what would be the point of such deception?” she stated. Mavetera also denied allegations that she lacks the five Ordinary Level subjects required for university enrolment, a claim she vehemently dismissed as false, arguing that she could not have been enrolled at MSU, where she claims to be pursuing her PhD programme. “How does one get enrolled at a reputable university like MSU without those qualifications? For your information, I was Student Representative Council President at Women’s University in 2014. I was a class representative in 2016 at MSU while undertaking my strategic marketing masters, so everyone from my class would know me,” she explained. Mahere again laid into Mavetera, urging her to refrain from using the title “Dr.” “In the circumstances, can you agree that there is no lawful basis at this stage for you to present yourself as a “Dr.”? Can you understand why we are surprised that as recently as yesterday, your ministry was still using this title in relation to you?” In 2022, Mavetera was jubilant, announcing that she had been awarded a “Doctorate of Humane Letters” from the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP). However, the “Doctorates of Humane Letters” issued by the IPP were officially revoked and withdrawn by the High Court of Zimbabwe in July of last year. Despite this, the government and her ministry continue to refer to Mavetera as “Dr.” This year, Shackmore Wellington Timburwa, another Zanu PF activist and Chegutu West Member of Parliament, was exposed as not holding a PhD in International Relations from the University of South Africa (UNISA), contrary to his claims on LinkedIn dating back to 2023. This year, yet another Zanu PF apologist, Prophet Walter Magaya, who was also a contestant for Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency, was exposed for claiming a fake degree from the UNISA. Magaya had approached the High Court to challenge his disqualification from contesting as ZIFA president, a move resulting from his failure to produce an O-Level certificate with at least five subject passes. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 4. *GHETTO TAX – ZIMBABWEAN YOUTHS STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL* “Ghetto tax” is not a formal levy, but a social obligation, a silent understanding within the communities. For many young Zimbabweans, the daily grind is no longer about climbing corporate ladders or pursuing dream careers. It is a precarious dance between hustling for inadequate earnings and the constant pressure of supporting friends and family in a crumbling economy. This pressure has birthed a phenomenon known in street lingo as “ghetto tax” or siya something wangu chero dollar, which means “just give us even a dollar.” The “ghetto tax” is a symptom of Zimbabwe's ailing economy. Years of mismanagement and corruption have led to high inflation, limited job opportunities, and widespread poverty. Young people, who make up a significant portion of the population, are excessively affected. Thirty-one-year old Tinashe Munemo, a fuel attendant from Harare’s Waterfalls suburb, exemplifies this struggle. Every time when he is about to go home after work, the legion of his friends at Mandaza shops gives him a slight headache. Munemo’s bus stop is at Mandaza shops and he has to navigate a harsh reality, running away from unemployed friends who survive by begging for a few dollars. “At my work place they give us US$2 every day for transport, but usually I use US$1 per day so when I meet a friend who is struggling to buy even a weekly WhatsApp bundle, sometimes I will give them the remaining US$1,” Munemo said. “We are struggling, whether you are a graduate or not. “The only problem is that our friends who see you going to work always think we are getting paid huge amounts and for that reason they expect you to give them money.” Munemo said there is a general belief in the ghetto that those who work must share whatever they have with the unemployed. “If you don’t help them, it will look like you are not being empathetic,” he said. “I earn US$250 per month, I pay US$150 in rentals and I have a wife and an ECD child plus ghetto tax. “I am not forced to help my friends but sometimes I get to understand their situation, especially those who are graduates.” Munemo's "ghetto tax" experience is not a formal levy, but a social obligation, a silent understanding within the communities. Among his friends are university graduates, while others dropped out due to lack of funds, and spend their days navigating the harsh realities of unemployment. They rely on the generosity of those like Munemo, often resorting to borrowing from a ZimLoan, a microfinance institution offering small, quick loans as low as US$9. The situation is mirrored across the country where the "ghetto tax" is not a sustainable solution. It is a temporary measure, a band-aid on a gaping wound. In Bulawayo, 28-year-old Mqondisi Khumalo, a recent Political Science graduate, has lost hope in getting a job in Zimbabwe. Despite the fact that he is a graduate, his story resonates with many youths who did not make it to university. "Even though I am a graduate, I usually bother my childhood friend Mthabisi Ndlovu to buy me data even though his salary is barely enough to cover his transport and rent," he explains. "Now we are called tax collectors, Imagine I still stay with my parents at 28 years, it’s a struggle.” Ndlovu’s words tell the sentiments of countless young Zimbabweans, trapped in a cycle of hardship, hoping for a future where their hustle translates into something more than just survival. The “ghetto tax” is not unique to specific social strata, it is a symptom of a larger economic crisis. Zimbabwe's unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, leaving a generation of young people struggling to find meaningful work. This desperation fuels the cycle of dependency, where those with even the smallest income are expected to support a network of unemployed friends and family. Latest statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) reveal that only 46,3% of Zimbabwe’s working age population are employed. In its 2023 4th Quarter Labour Force Survey report, ZimStat disclosed that the working age population was 8 639 522, of which 4 003 121 were in active employment. Thomas Chauke, a retired primary school teacher, told The Standard that lack of economic opportunities was putting a strain in relationships. “They understand the need to support each other, but the constant pressure can be overwhelming,” Chauke said. “It creates a sense of guilt and resentment, even among close friends. “Yes, we have to support each other. But something needs to change. “We need real opportunities, not just handouts.” Economist Gift Mugano said youths find themselves in a catch 22 situation. He believes that some youths have lost hope in getting jobs and see a university degree as worthless in the face of the rising generation. According to Mugano, there are two categories of youth - those who are hustling, working in the informal sector regardless of the fact that they have degrees and those who are now wasting their life because of depression. Veteran talk show host Rebbeca Chisamba, popularly known as Mai Chisamba, acknowledged that some youths have developed an embarrassing culture of always asking for financial assistance from their friends. “Changova chijairira kupemha” (It has become a bad norm to beg),” Chisamba said. “Some have graduated to even going to bottle stores to ask their friends to buy them beer. “Hanzi ndichaireo one murungu” (please buy one beer for me Boss). “It's embarrassing to see the young generation surviving by bothering their friends in the name of "ghetto tax." Chisamba said begging for handouts is not sustainable. “Yes, we are living in difficult times, but we should not burden other people,” she said. “I believe youths can use their hands or other innovative ideas to survive without waiting to be given money. “Some are investing in comedy to get a few dollars to survive. “Yes, once or twice is reasonable when someone is in a crisis, not all the time” Parliamentary portfolio committee on public service, labour, and social welfare, Dexter Malinganiso said the MPs have never specifically deliberated on the welfare of the youths. He, however, said they have been advocating for budget increment which can also help to improve the welfare of the youths. “I will say we have never had an agenda where we discuss the welfare of the youth as a group, but the welfare of individuals in Zimbabwe who may happen to be in need,” Malinganiso said. “There are programs running at the moment which include food deficit mitigation which does not discriminate against the youth. “We have advocated for budget increments and budget disbursements to make certain that the programmes are well implemented.” However, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on the shoulders of those fortunate enough to have found some form of employment. They are the lifelines for their friends and families, and sometimes, entire communities. But even their paltry earnings are not enough to escape the clutches of poverty. *_-The Standard_* 5. *I AM NOT ZANU PF, BUT WAR VETERAN: HOSIAH CHIPANGA* On November 4, 1977, Hosiah Chipanga, a celebrated musician and emerging political figure, was thrust into a nightmare that would haunt him for years to come. Accused by the Rhodesian Forces’ military intelligence of being a sell-out and an accomplice of liberation war fighters, Chipanga found himself imprisoned in a dank, overcrowded jail just outside Chimoio in Mozambique. The oppressive atmosphere was a stark contrast to the vibrant melodies he had once shared with the world. For nine months, Chipanga endured a harrowing ordeal marked by psychological trauma and the suffocating stench of despair. In a place where hope seemed a distant memory, he faced the relentless grip of mental psychosis, battling not just for his freedom, but for his sanity. In an interview with Standard Style in Mutare last Wednesday, Chipanga delved into the life and struggles of a man who, despite being silenced by his captors, remained a symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Chipanga addressed claims from some fans who aligned him to President Emerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu PF party. The scrutiny followed his performance at the recent launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund and related initiatives at Dewedzo High School in Makoni West constituency. Chipanga, famed for being a critic of the Zanu PF government, clarified his position, stating he was not siding with any political faction, but considers himself a war veteran on a divine mission to offer wisdom and guidance to the country’s leadership. “I have never been against the government of the day; I have always been in a spiritual advisory role,” he said, emphasising his intentions are often misconstrued as opposition. He elaborated on his identity as a war veteran, asserting that his performances at state functions are not politically motivated, but rather opportunities to express his views on the pressing social and economic challenges facing Zimbabwe. “The situation right now needs God’s intervention,” he stated, underscoring his belief that spiritual solutions are essential for national recovery. Chipanga recounted his history, including a significant dream on September 13, 1977 that prompted him to join the liberation struggle. He shared the harrowing experience of being arrested and detained by Rhodesian forces, an ordeal that he described as transformative. “This jail became my school of thought,” he recalled, stating it solidified his commitment to providing spiritual guidance to the nation. Despite facing a prolonged blackout from state radio stations and media, Chipanga remains dedicated to inspiring future generations through his music. He expressed frustration over the accusations against him, emphasising that his past struggles and intentions are often overlooked. “It is unfair for some sections to accuse me without understanding my history,” he said. After the release from jail in 1978 through a ceasefire Chipanga wrote and released a single titled Kudai Ndakaziva, which was banned by the Ian Smith regime. “Unfortunately, the song was banned by the Ian Smith government, as it came out during the ceasefire period before the 1980 general elections,” Chipanga said. “So it is very unfair for some sections to accuse me of performing at certain functions because they do not know my history. “It is my wish for everyone including my distractors that l will release a book of my history after full filling my ambition. “I have set certain targets to accomplish my mission. It is not a secret that my political history, my music and personal background will all be revealed in this book.” After independence, during the 1980s and 1990s Chipanga dominated the airwaves with hits such as Muchaneta, Mabasa, Gumi Remitemo, Pfuma Huru, Shinda Isina Tsono, Zvichandibatsirei, Guva RaSatani and Hove Dzemugungwa, among others. He was not finished yet as he enthralled fans with captivating songs like Makomborero, winning the Coca Cola Top 50 in 2004, Kwachu Kwachu winning the Nama Best Sungura Song in 2012. Other songs include Ivhu Ratakafira Nderipiko, Zvipfukuto, Ndafunga Zano and the anthemic Gushungo Vane Munyama. But the musical odds turned against him as his albums were banned at the turn of the millenium as they were deemed to be political incorrect. The albums Hero Shoko (2010), Mumweya (2014) and Gamba (2016) dedicated to one of the most decorated liberation fighters, the late Solomon Mujuru among other single tracks which were alleged to have political overtones. Chipanga feels betrayed by critics, regardless of almost 50 years in musical mission to try and save the country from its problems. He is hurt and an aggrieved man, as he said for a long period his music has been banned, but no one of the critics helped him and suffered alone in isolation. The Kwachu Kwachu hit maker claimed that no one helped him survive the vagaries of being blacklisted. “No one was with me during these difficult times,” he said. “Where were they when l needed them most? “All along, l have been labelled an enemy of the state as my messages were misinterpreted, as they failed to interpret the actual meaning and objective of my song. “My mission is to just give ideas from the uppermost spiritual world.” Chipanga said when performing at public gatherings and state functions, his mission is to unite Zimbabweans. “I tried to have a word with Mugabe and Mnangagwa one-on-one on numerous occasions in trying to tell him solutions to the country’s problems, but I was blocked by certain government officials (names withheld),” he said. “Those that were around Mugabe and still others that are close to Mnangagwa think I am mad. “I have gone to the high political offices with my ideas, but, they just dismiss me like an insane man. “But I will not budge because I have a lot I know that is hidden from the living.” Chipanga is now back on a massive recovery path following his recent successful shows throughout the country with sungura ace, Alick Macheso, that have seen him reconnecting with his multitude of fans. Despite the criticism from certain political sections, the veteran entertainer mesmerised fans in Dewedzo with an exquisite performance. Screams erupted and camera flashes lit up the stage, as Chipanga, also known as Kwachu Kwachu, delivered a superb and remarkable top class entertainment. Through these state and public functions, the whirlwind tours have marked a tremendous Chipanga come back onto the showbiz scene. In a landscape often marred by political tension, Chipanga’s call for spiritual intervention and unity resonates as he continues his journey as an artist and a voice for his country. *_-The Standard_* 6. *JUDGE CLEARS WAY FOR DONALD TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PULL THOUSANDS OF USAID STAFFERS OFF THE JOB* A federal judge on Friday cleared the way for one of the Trump administration’s remaining steps in its dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, allowing it to move forward with pulling thousands of USAID staffers off the job in the United States and around the world. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols rejected pleas to keep his temporary stay on the government’s plan to remove all but a small fraction of USAID staffers from their posts. His ruling also allows the administration to start the clock ticking on its planned 30-day deadline for USAID workers abroad to move back to the U.S. at government expense. His ruling comes in a broad lawsuit filed by unions on behalf of the agency staff, especially those at risk of being stranded abroad. The suit describes the Trump administration stalling needed medical evacuations for USAID staffers and spouses overseas, cutting some contractors off from emergency communications, and leaving staffers to flee political violence in Congo without support or funding. The lawsuit more broadly challenges the constitutionality of the administration’s dismantling of USAID, saying eliminating an agency would require congressional approval. “At present, the agency is still standing,” Nichols wrote in his ruling. “And so, the alleged injuries on which plaintiffs rely in seeking injunctive relief flow essentially from their members’ existing employment relationships with USAID.” Nichols found that the unions’ challenge must be dealt with under federal employment laws rather than in district court. President Donald Trump and the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency tied to billionaire Elon Musk have moved swiftly to shutter USAID, calling its programs out of line with the president’s agenda and asserting without evidence that its work is wasteful. The case is one of multiple lawsuits from groups representing USAID workers and nonprofits and businesses that are challenging the administration’s sudden shutdown of the agency, including its placing of agency leadership on administrative leave. A judge in another suit has ordered the administration to temporarily lift a freeze on funding that has shut down USAID programs and operations worldwide. Nichols, a Trump appointee, said he had been “very concerned” about workers in high-risk areas left overseas without access to emergency communications. But he has since been reassured by the Trump administration that they would still have access to two-way radios that allow 24–7 communications in emergencies, as well as a phone app with a “panic button.” He said the government’s statements persuaded him “that the risk posed to USAID employees who are placed on administrative leave while stationed abroad — if there is any — is far more minimal than it initially appeared.” The judge also said he was satisfied by assurances from USAID deputy administrator Pete Marocco that workers abroad would be allowed to stay in their jobs beyond the 30 days even if they stayed overseas. Workers point to expected deep staffing cuts coming at their agency and others, saying they fear they could soon be stranded abroad without jobs, visas or U.S. protection. *Pregnant women fear over their care* The court battle over the government plans to bring the majority of foreign staffers home has highlighted the difficulties many face in the agency shutdown. That includes allegations that the Trump administration is stalling medical evacuations for as many as 25 USAID staffers and spouses in the later stages of high-risk pregnancies, according to testimony and a person familiar with the cases. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. In a statement Friday, the State Department said it “has approved all medevac requests that meet the required criteria and would not deny a request for an emergency medevac.” The State Department works with individuals needing medical evacuation to “identify a clinically appropriate location that can meet their medical needs consistent with the U.S. government’s legal and fiscal requirements,” it added. The administration says it is taking all required care of staffers as it terminates USAID programs and aims to recall thousands of workers and their families abroad. The American women and their spouses, however, say they have been left in substandard medical care in posts in unstable countries, fearing for their lives. “Everyone says I need to wait and see what happens” with Trump administration decisions, a USAID staffer, whose pregnancy is complicated by high-blood pressure, said in a court filing from her posting in an undisclosed country in Africa. The woman’s affidavit and others from staffers were filed with courts anonymously because of repeated warnings from the Trump administration that USAID staffers risk dismissal if they speak publicly. “I have a due date that does not allow me to just wait and see what happens,” the USAID staffer wrote. “If I cannot medevac as planned, I will be in a life-threatening situation.” In another case, a pregnant spouse of a USAID worker was left hemorrhaging in a foreign hospital bed to await delivery, her husband said in another affidavit. The intervention of a U.S. senator, who was not identified in the affidavit, secured the government’s agreement to pay for a medical evacuation. But doctors say the approval came too late in her pregnancy for her to safely take a long series of flights back to the U.S., even with medical escort. The State Department did not respond to requests for comment on workers’ allegations that the government was stalling or refusing medical evacuations. *_-NewZimbabwe_*