Day 29
Nigeria
Nigerian policemen repelled an attack by unknown gunmen on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the south-eastern state of Enugu. The incident has reinforced persistent doubts that Nigeria’s general elections will proceed as planned next month. Banditry in the North West, secessionists in the South East and violence in the North East by armed groups allied to ISIS have already contributed to an atmosphere of rapidly escalating insecurity. But the attack on the electoral commission’s offices and recent comments have amplified growing concerns around the elections. Pray that the pattern of violence around Nigeria’s usually keenly contested elections will be tackled. Pray that Nigerians will elect good leaders and wll cry out to God for salvation and relief (The Bible, Isaiah 43:2).
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Nigeria has gone up two spots and is listed in 7th position in the World Watch report 2022 by Open Doors for an increase in Christian persecution. This is Nigeria’s highest-ever ranking on the World Watch List. Muhammadu Buhari is the president of Nigeria. It is Africa’s most populous country. The diversity is represented in 544 people groups. Mangroves and tropical forests are in the south, and savanna and grasslands are found in the north. Wetlands along the coast parallel this diversity. Striking differences also exist between the majority Muslim and feudal north and the largely Christian and more developed south. Deep ethnic and religious divisions threaten the nation as a whole. Constant tensions exist between tribal rivalries – particularly in the northern and central states where Muslims and Christians coexist. Years of devastating violence by Boko Haram have left roughly 20,000 dead and displaced millions.
Day 29
Maldives
In the book of Romans, it says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Pray that the nation of Maldives will be set free from Islam and that many will become children of God. Pray for Christian Believers not to be afraid of what persecution may come, but that they will be strengthened in the Lord today (The Bible, Romans 8:14-17).
The Maldives is Asia’s smallest country by area and population known for its lucrative tourism industry. It is an extremely closed country, claiming to be 100 percent Muslim, and heavily repressing any Christian influence. Only a handful of secret Believers live in the Maldives. Dozens of Maldivians joined IS in the last decade; the island nation is believed to be “fertile ground for recruitment” to radical Islam. Surprising results in general elections a few years ago saw the opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeating the former president, Abdulla Yameen who was charged and jailed on corruption charges. The new government began reforms but has struggled to see any real effective change take place. COVID-19 had a significant impact on the tourism industry in 2020 and 2021 but has shown good signs of recovery in 2022.
Day 29
Jordan
The baptism site, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is a Unesco World Heritage site, where the ruins of Roman and Byzantine churches, a monastery and baptism pools are preserved among the wilderness near to the lowest point on earth. They were uncovered in 1995 after Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel. Prior to that, both sides of the river had been a closed military zone since the 1967 Middle East War, in which Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan and occupied it. A small cave at what is known as Elijah’s hill, is where it is said that John the Baptist lived. At the rediscovery of the site 11 huge minefields were demined and about tens of thousands of mines were taken away. Pray for Jordan’s appeal to international donors to contribute to the costs. Pray for Jordanians to draw from the living waters and live a new life in Jesus Christ (The Bible, Psalm 68:9).
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Jordan is listed in the 39th position in the World Watch report 2022 by Open Doors for Christian persecution. Despite dropping one place, hostility toward Christians has marginally increased. Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein has been King of Jordan. Bisher Al-Khasawneh is the incumbent Prime Minister since 12 October 2020. There are about 8 million people living in Jordan. In a time when the prices for food and petrol increase constantly, salaries remain at the same level, presenting a challenge. Poverty is on the rise. Jordan’s major population is Muslim; there is a small percentage of Christians. However, Jordanian Christians often live in isolation from Muslims. The Kingdom of Jordan and its people face many challenges with an influx of refugees from four regional wars and a lack of water and other resources, Millions of refugees from different conflicts currently live in Jordan.
Day 29
Senegal
The Senegalese government announced new measures to fight against road insecurity, including a ban on night bus trips and the import of second-hand tires, after an accident that killed 39 people. Road accidents officially kill 700 people every year in Senegal, a West African country of more than 17 million inhabitants. Prime Minister Amadou Bâ, announced that public passenger transport vehicles will be banned from travelling on interurban roads between 23:00 and 05:00. Buses called schedules, carrying passengers and goods, many of which travel at night from region to region, are one of the main means of transport in Senegal and cause many accidents. Pray that the prohibiting measures will reduce accidents and loss of life. Pray for mourning Senegalese get comfort and peace of mind overcoming bereavement (The Bible, Psalm 11:7).
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2023/01/10/senegal-bans-night-buses-after-deadly-accident/
Macky Sall is a Senegalese politician who has been President of Senegal since April 2012. Mohammed Dionne is the Prime Minister. As a model of democratic success, Senegal has remained relatively peaceful and enjoyed economic stability and freedom of the press for years. Agriculture and tourism are the country’s main sources of revenue. Tightened security laws have affected freedoms as the nation has concerns about encroaching militant Islam in the region. Government forces have been deployed increasingly to the border regions this year. Senegal is a Muslim-dominated multi-party democracy but remains accepting of other religions. Christian Believers remain free to worship openly and rarely face persecution. Senegal hosts large refugee numbers. Many African illegal migrants use Senegal as a departure point for Europe.
