Nigeria: CSW calls for ‘urgent’ security review
The head of Christian Solidarity Worldwide has called upon the Nigerian authorities to urgently review security arrangements for the volatile Plateau State after another deadly attack on Christians last Friday. Ten people, including children, are believed to have been killed in the attack on Mazah village by Fulani Muslims in the early hours of Friday morning. The attackers frightened villagers out of their homes by firing gun-shots before hacking them down with machetes as they attempted to flee. They also burned homes and churches to the ground. CSW said the attackers focused on important residents in the village, attacking the homes of the local councillor, the village head and a church leader. Villagers claim that although security forces arrived at the village in time to stop the attackers, they stood back and remained outside the village until the attack had come to an end before entering. Pray: that God would equip His saints and put His protection around them. (Eph.6:10-18)
Philippines: Peace talks
Benigno Aquino III, the newly-installed president of the Philippines, won the office by the largest plurality in the nation's history. Perceived as a lacklustre senator for years, the son of the nation's two icons of democracy now has Filipinos believing that he may just be able to work miracles. Two of Aquino's most popular decisions to date have been his appointments to the embattled justice department and the previously unimpressive peace adviser's office. As well as sending feelers out to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the communists, Teresita Deles, the new presidential peace adviser, has also sat down with the media to outline the government's plan for building a lasting peace. Such transparency - which contrasts sharply with the previous administration's preference for keeping its cards close to its chest - has made many in the Philippines feel part of the process and opened the door to constructive discussion. Pray: that the new government will put God at the centre and seek peace and reconciliation. (Job.21:22) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/07/201072163220859727.html
Afganistan: Kabul conference objectives a challenge
Although the war-weary Afghans have welcomed holding the international conference on Afghanistan, the Kabul Conference, in their soil as a good omen for their future, they doubted it would achieve its goals set out at the one-day forum. Outlining his government's plans at the conference, President Hamid Karzai said that he wants the international community to channel at least 50 percent of the funds contributed to Afghanistan through the Afghan government, to support his reconciliation programme and help to fight corruption as part of efforts for ensuring good governance. However, achieving these ambitious goals, the reconciliation with Taliban militants and bringing them into the mainstream of society seems the most challenging task. Taliban insurgents who had regrouped in 2006 and staged a violent comeback after being driven out of power by a US-led military campaign in late 2001 have repeatedly rejected any offer for talks. Pray: that the objectives laid down, although challenging, will be successful in bringing agreement and reconciliation. (Ps.133) More: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2010-07/21/c_13408126.htm
Uzbekistan: Crackdown on Christians worsens
Several unjust rulings have been made against Christians since the start of 2010. The homes of numerous Christians as well as churches have been raided, and many Christians have been fined for sharing their faith, holding religious services, and illegally distributing Christian literature, according to Forum 18 News. Within the last three months, however, pressure has increased to the point of unlawful imprisonment. ‘In the last several months, 10 Christians have been sentenced to administrative detention for their Christian activities--that can mean something as simple as holding a Bible study in their home,’ says Carl Moeller, president of Open Doors USA. ‘This is four times the amount of detentions that we saw last year.’ It's unclear as to exactly why the crackdown has become so much worse so quickly. Moeller confirms, however, that the Uzbek government favours uniformity, not diversity. A rise in numbers of any group could be considered social and political dissension. Pray: for the Church in Uzbekistan that the authorities would cease its persecution. (2Th.1:4)
