This is an interesting piece but you omit some of the juiciest titbits about this organisation. In the mid 1990s their West Africa programme came a cropper when corrupt staff and/or partners became involved in trafficking diamonds in Sierra Leone (sometehing they were supposed to be working against). Then somewhat related to this I have heard that SIS put them under observation for a time – and let them know about it, following allegations made about UK Government actions in West Africa.

More recently there was a case of misuse of funds in Nepal (to the tune of about 18,000 GBP so the word goes), which was spent on entertainment by an enterprising staff member, much to the chagrin of the Dutch Government.

There’s more, e.g. womanising and scheming of former ‘General Secrettary’ Kevin Clements. Info on most of the above can be found in copies of an internal samizdat newsletter produced by junior staff up until some years ago (such was the tyrannical nature of management).

I will declare an interest at this point – for some years I have worked with other non-governmental organisations and come up against International Alert. They have always seemed to me a tainted organisation and staff conduct has often left a bad taste, but I would not deny that a rivalry has existed between us. Anyway, if you’re interested I can perhaps supply contact details for former staff.

Yours,

L Thapa