Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is an experimental and unconventional US foreign assistance agency, which aims to fight global poverty. Nepal signed the MCC agreement in 2017 and according to the MCC agreement, the MCC Nepal Compact consists of two major projects:
However, citizens of Nepal are currently divided into two groups, one in favor and against MCC. NepalNews talked to a few of the youths of the nation to hear what they thought about the agreement and also about the violent protests that are happening surrounding it.
Digvijay Koirala, 22, Co-Founder and Business Development Officer, Kerkar Creations Pvt. Ltd.:
Like any other thing, the MCC agreement also has its pros and cons. I personally feel that some aspects of the agreement have not been justified properly, one factor being that MCC might be above our constitution. If that is the case, it will adversely affect us Nepalis in many ways. For example, when a development program is being held in the country, we need to take permission from different governmental sectors. If MCC is above our constitution, the same process might take a longer time and may even be more expensive. I believe that the US government needs to be clearer regarding this before it expects Nepal to make a decision. This agreement is just another business deal for America. The longer Nepal takes to sign it, the more inventory cost will be held, which is why they are pushing Nepal to sign the agreement as quickly as possible.
The MCC agreement has definitely caused a huge dilemma for Nepal. On one hand, it says that it’ll be above our constitution; that raises a lot of questions, fear, and uncertainty in people about their future. On the other hand, Nepal heavily relies on foreign aid. The US may not help Nepal in the future if we do not go forward with the MCC. If Nepal does go forward with the agreement, the diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the US will be secured. Nepal is rich in water resources and can make a lot of profit by selling electricity to India, Bangladesh, and other countries that are in dire need of electricity. Everything has its pros and cons and it is very important to be aware of it before making a decision. It is in the hands of the Nepal government and its policymakers to make a well-thought-out decision before agreeing or making necessary changes in the agreement.
Raising your voice against something you think is wrong is extremely important. However, violence is not the answer to everything. We cannot blame political leaders for not developing the nation while we are the ones who create havoc on public property in the name of protesting. The kind of protests that are happening around Baneshwor only creates destruction and causes more problems than solving.
Shristi Chettri Rai, 23, Social Science Student:
In my opinion, many people have misconceptions about MCC. To put in an extra detail of its background, funds have already been allocated previously for infrastructural development here in Nepal since 2017. Being the only country in South Asia to agree on this bilateral treaty with Sri Lanka on the pipeline, there are certain points and agendas that no military invasion can take place in integral national matters (if that’s what people fear about). Considering the international invasion of middle eastern areas and other domains, our sovereign nation has a mind of its own and though it won’t hamper, it can be persuaded a little. (Persuasion has been existent among political parties too). Nepal plays a balance of power between its neighboring power nations. One can be skeptical about the US-China trade war, India’s reach to global power, and US interventions with Nepal as a potential catalyst. Talking about youths and their illicit behavior on violent protests; is bizarre. The crowd has been continuing all along. Lack of awareness and alertness. Happens when the biggest universities here in Nepal are playgrounds for dirty politics.
Ichchhit Devkota, 22, BIM student:
Mining is one of the major projects of MCC along with building better infrastructures, hospitals, etc. MCC definitely does have its own cons but not more so than our current political situation. We are literally sitting on 'Gold' and America is trying to take it away in return for something else and it makes perfect sense for them to do that. We could counter the MCC proposal with rapid technology advancements, making Nepal their first export target even if the market is very low here.
People, who say ‘Reject MCC’ and have come to the streets destroying public property, should also know that they could have stepped up against these political leaders but never do when they're the main problem. So the question is, what is it in for these protestors? Or are they just having fun doing what they're doing? We could either see MCC as a new opportunity to live a better life with its clause or eventually live on the streets while these so-called ‘Political Leaders’ dine in their golden plates and spoons.
Upendra Upadhyaya, 49, Linguist:
For me, as a conscious Nepali citizen, and without prejudice to any political party or alliance, the intent of the MCC is political, and has nothing to do with the development of Nepal. (For all nations with diplomatic relations and goodwill have always participated in the development of this nation but without sacrificing our national sovereignty.) The MCC carries America’s diplomatic and politically oriented hidden agenda, as I smell, directed against China, and going to interfere with Nepal’s sovereignty to attain the American political agenda in our region. Therefore, the ongoing protest against MCC is an appropriate response and should be rejected outright. However, such an issue of national sovereignty should not have been politicized for a long period but rejected outright at the beginning of its inception. But it is not too late! Still, we have time to communicate with America, with all humble apologies, that we are not able to accept the offer in order to maintain our non-alignment in the region.
Santosh Chaudhary, 28, Local Businessman:
The main reason MCC looks like a viable option for Nepal as of right now is the lack of national capital. If the proposed MCC is to be passed, then in an indirect way we will definitely be under the rule of the US. Nepal is a country that has never been under anyone’s rule as evident in our history. It would be a disastrous move to pass MCC because as we all know the relationship between China and the US is not good, they are one of the strongest countries out there in respect of capital, military as well as several technological advances. If MCC were to be passed, the US will set up posts in the Himalayan region of our country so they can use it to scout China from our borders. I believe being a neighboring country to China, and since we are so dependent on them for literally everything that we consume, it will definitely act as strife between Nepal and China. I think the capital US is trying to provide for us will definitely run out at some point because the political scenario is ripe with corruption. I strongly believe that even if we can delay this situation by at least ten years, Nepal will not need the capital at all. I believe it is better to stay as a poor developing country rather than being under the reigns of the US.
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