Sudan: Civil war, evacuations and unstable ceasefires
Sudan is currently facing a crisis involving a conflict between the military and civilians over control of the government. The conflict arose after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the subsequent formation of a transitional government led by civilians and the military.
In October 2021, the military launched a coup and arrested several members of the civilian government, including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. This led to widespread protests and a call for a civilian-led transitional government. The military agreed to a power-sharing agreement with civilians in November, but tensions between the two sides remained.
In recent months, there have been reports of escalating violence in the Darfur region, including clashes between armed groups and government forces. The violence has displaced thousands of people and led to a humanitarian crisis. The government has also been accused of restricting media and internet access to suppress dissent.
Warring factions agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire, mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia, while Western, Arab, and Asian nations raced to evacuate their citizens from the country. The army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have not abided by several temporary truce deals over the past week. Fighting between them erupted on April 15, and at least 427 people have been killed so far, turning residential areas into war zones.
Millions of people remain trapped in their homes in the capital Khartoum and are running short on food and water. Tens of thousands of people have fled, including Sudanese and citizens from neighbouring countries, despite instability and difficult living conditions.
At least two convoys involved in evacuations came under fire at the weekend, and diplomats have been targeted in attacks, and at least five aid workers have been killed. The United Nations has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan and has called for the release of political prisoners and the protection of human rights.
More: Independent, Al Jazeera
Pray: Heavenly Father, we come before you today with heavy hearts for the people of Sudan who are facing so much turmoil and suffering. We pray for peace to reign in their country and for the violence to come to an end. We ask that you comfort those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured in the conflict. We pray for your divine intervention to bring about a resolution that is just and fair for all parties involved.
As it says in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." We ask that you raise up peacemakers in Sudan, individuals and groups who will work towards reconciliation and unity, and who will strive to bring an end to the conflict. We pray for their protection and provision as they seek to bring about positive change.
Lord, we also pray for the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Sudan. We ask that you provide for the basic needs of those who have been displaced, who are hungry and who lack access to medical care. We pray for the aid workers and organizations who are working tirelessly to provide relief to those who are suffering.
Iran: UN expresses outrage at deliberate poisoning of girls.
UN experts expressed outrage at the deliberate poisoning of more than 1200 schoolgirls in Iran’s major cities and the State’s failure to protect them, prevent further attacks and conduct swift investigations.
“The first reported poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran occurred on 30 November 2022, in the city of Qom. Since then, targeted chemical attacks against girls’ schools have been reported in 91 schools located in 20 provinces across Iran,” the experts said.
“The poisonings have already resulted in hundreds of schoolgirls being hospitalised. Many parents have removed their daughters from school for fear of these attacks,” they said.
“We are deeply concerned about the physical and mental well-being of these schoolgirls; their parents and the ability of the girls to enjoy their fundamental right to education. While arrests have just been announced, we remain gravely disturbed by the fact that for several months, State authorities not only failed to swiftly investigate the attacks, but repeatedly denied them until recently,” they added.
On 1 March 2023, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi, whose Ministry leads the investigations was still dismissing the intentional nature of the attacks, stating that 90 per cent of reported cases could be attributed to “stress." State-affiliated media outlets similarly described the poisoning incidents as an attempt by students to miss exams.
More: United Nations,
Pray: For the safety of all young girls in Iran, that they may be protected and healed and be able to live as children should. (Exodus 14:13-14)
For accountability and justice, that those in power may acknowledge the crimes being committed and bring the perpetrators to justice. (Psalm 89:14)
That God will unite and strengthen the Iranian Christians, that they may be effective witnesses and salt and light to their people and country. (Matthew 5: 13-16)
Nigeria: Kaduna state massacre and Christian persecution
At least 27 people were killed in a wave of violence that targeted Christian communities in Nigeria's Kaduna state. International Christian Concern (ICC), a US-based persecution watchdog, suspects that the attacks were aimed at preventing Christians from voting in the gubernatorial election.
The attackers, who had previously killed 17 people in the Agwan Wakili area in Kaduna, returned and struck the Mubushi and Langson communities, killing at least 10 people. Witnesses suggested that the attack was carried out to prevent Christians from voting. A local leader called it a "political massacre of Christians" in areas where the ruling All Progressives Congress party was likely to lose the election. Christian rights groups have warned for years about the deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Nigeria, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate. The country ranks No. 6 on the Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the top 50 worst countries for Christian persecution.
More: Christian Post
Pray: Heavenly Father, we pray for the families of the victims of the recent attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. We ask for your comfort and peace to be with them during this difficult time. We take refuge in your word, which says in Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Lord, we pray for your protection and safety over the Christian communities in Nigeria who are facing persecution and violence. We pray that you would be their refuge and strength, as your word says in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
God, we pray for the leaders of Nigeria and for all those in positions of authority to take action against the violence and persecution faced by Christians in the country. We pray that they would heed your word in Proverbs 31:8-9, which says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
China: Taiwan threats and military build-up, Call to Zelensky
China's navy has conducted over 120 flight sorties from its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, in waters east of Taiwan and south of Japan over recent days. The exercises have raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The drills come after Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The manoeuvres were launched on Saturday to “punish” Taiwan, and China claims that its forces have successfully completed them. The exercises are the first for the Shandong in the western Pacific, and it marks a first for the carrier in the area that China defines as “far seas”.
Meanwhile Chinese President Xi Jinping's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has brought China's peace efforts to the forefront again. China released a 12-point plan on February 24, which focuses on finding a political settlement through talks as the only way to stop the fighting. The plan calls for respecting the sovereignty of all countries and the opposition to the use of nuclear weapons, while also calling for an end to unilateral sanctions and bloc confrontations.
The West and Ukraine have urged China to use its influence over Russia to end the war, and China has proposed the only plan that both sides have said they will consider. China plans to send an envoy to Ukraine and other countries to discuss possible solutions to the conflict with all parties involved. While the call has been broadly welcomed, the West remains sceptical about China's capability and credibility.
More: South China Morning Post, Financial Times
Pray: For peace in Ukraine and for an end to the ongoing conflict that has caused so much suffering and pain. We ask that all parties involved in the conflict come together in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue to find a lasting and just solution that respects the sovereignty of all countries and promotes the well-being of all people. (Romans 15:13)
For the success of all peace efforts, including the recent 12-point plan proposed by China. May these efforts be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good.
For the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict, especially the innocent civilians who have been caught in the crossfire. May they find comfort and support in their time of need, and may they be able to rebuild their lives in peace and security. (Psalm 28:7)
