गाउँको दूरदराजदेखि काठमाडौंको सिंहदरबारसम्म

The MCC Agreement now has officially reached the entry into force(EIF) phase, which makes the widely disputed U.S.-funded development program a hot topic again and raises more public concerns. Nepalis are worried that the Agreement would undermine national sovereignty. More recently, Biplav-led CPN staged a week-long protest rally against the implementation of MCC, while other major parties still kept silent on the matter.

Nepalis’ widespread concerns

On August 22, the Nepal Communist Party and the Revolutionary Communist Party Nepal, two Maoist splinter groups, criticized that the United States was trying to establish a military base in Nepal and firmly opposed the implementation of MCC. The two parties and some social communities organized fierce street protests demanding the abolition of MCC. While on the other hand, Nepal authorities were actively promoting the implementation.

Indeed, Nepalis are keenly sensitive to its geopolitical and military objectives of the so-called economic program. All the patriots are soberly aware that some clauses of MCC Agreement are detrimental to the national sovereignty, including its precedence over Nepal’s constitution, its auditing by American rather than Nepali auditors and its being a part of IPS. Besides, the US can suspend its aid at any time for any reason whatsoever, which is not fair to a sovereign state. Most importantly, the US demands immunity for MCC employees in all courts and tribunals of Nepal, leaving them moving freely without government regulation. With the implementation of the agreement, this term could be used for military purposes.

government’s unanimous silence

The five-year countdown of MCC projects officially began after the signing of a letter of exchange between the two sides on August 30. Although MCA-Nepal claimed that all conditions precedent have been completed, there are still some tough challenges. Local communities have not reached a consensus on compensation for land acquired; forest clearance is facing disturbance for fear of environmental destruction; compensation rate for right of way lands is not determined. The hasty entry into force of MCC and ignorance of mass protests of the government might lead to more future troubles.

Recently, leaders of CPN(Unified Socialist) called for more discussions on the implementation of the interpretative declaration. Madhav Kumar Nepal said concerns that have been raised regarding the MCC must be addressed and Nepal should move ahead in accordance with a policy of non-alignment. Similarly, another senior leader, Jhala Nath Khanal claimed that MCC agreement was an unfortunate development for Nepal. That is the only voice from ruling coalition. However, there is no alternative for them rather than protesting on the streets. Even though they know clearly that it would not make any difference.

Nepal government now is determined to implement the MCC funded projects. Whether the agreement is a leap toward prosperity or a surrender of sovereignty still remains to

be seen.