Day 26
Cambodia
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited a museum which records the brutality of the Khmer-Rouge regime, paying tribute to both the victims and those who survived. He noted that museums like this help to ensure that history does not repeat itself. He also warned that when hatred is unchecked and allowed space, it will wreak havoc with humanity. Jesus also taught that hate is powerful, but forgiveness can bring healing while unforgiveness does not bring life. Pray for ongoing healing for the nation of Cambodia. Praise God for the forgiveness we experience as a result of Jesus Christ coming to seek and save the lost (The Bible, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
Cambodia is notorious for the Khmer Rouge and landmines. That was 40 years ago, though, and the nation has enjoyed relative peace since then. Even so, the news still reports on frequently hidden landmine explosions that leave people limbless. This year, the former head of state of the Khmer Rouge appeared before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) appealing his 2018 conviction for genocide. The outcome is not yet known. Cambodia is a poor nation, and corruption runs rampant. The sex industry thrives. One-third of Cambodians live on less than one dollar per day, yet it is still one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled the nation for 37 years, ruthlessly removing opposition. After 2018’s sham elections, the EU, USA, Australia, and Japan have all moved towards introducing sanctions of some kind. The small population of Christian Believers has also enjoyed relative peace, although mission work is scorned. Cambodia remains a non-militant Buddhist state.

Day 26
Tunisia
Tunisia’s once-vibrant democracy is on its deathbed. Democratic backslide in the country shows why it is necessary to adopt a human rights perspective to interpret constitutional decisions. And that is what the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights did. It ruled that the decisions adopted by Saied violated human rights. The court ordered that the presidential decrees be repealed to restore the supremacy of the constitution. A human rights approach is the best antidote to constitutional authoritarian populism. Because autocrats will manipulate the law to justify authoritarian measures, it is necessary to go back to the classical legal tradition and recall that an unjust law cannot be deemed binding. Pray for democratic leadership in Tunisia that can really protect the people. Pray that the leaders will repent and obey God’s law and abide by them (The Bible, 1 John 3:4).
Source:
Tunisia is listed in the 35th position in the World Watch report 2022 by Open Doors for Christian persecution. The current President of Tunisia is Kais Saied and The current prime minister is Najla Bouden since October 2021. She is Tunisia’s first female Prime Minister. Modern Tunisians are the descendents of indigenous Berbers and people from numerous civilizations that have invaded or migrated to Tunisia. The Arab Spring enabled the country to have one of the most progressive and open societies in the Arab world. Tunisians felt frustrated by high unemployment, corruption, political oppression, and poor living conditions. Protests led to government changes and inspired similar protests across the whole Arab world. Tunisia’s new constitution is truly progressive. However, unemployment and economic decline remain big challenges to the new government. The pressure Christian Believers face is widespread and constant. Tunisian security services monitor any gathering for worship.
