Slovakia PM in stable but serious condition after shooting
Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a stable but serious condition after being shot multiple times on Wednesday. Fico, 59, underwent five hours of surgery at a hospital in Banska Bystrica. The hospital director confirmed his condition remains grave. He was attacked in Handlova during a meeting, and a suspect was detained at the scene. The interior minister described the incident as a politically motivated assassination attempt. Fico, a divisive figure known for opposing military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, was shot at close range, sustaining injuries to his stomach and arm. The deputy prime minister indicated that Fico’s surgery went well, and he is currently not in a life-threatening condition. The shooting has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy. The suspect, reportedly a 71-year-old writer and political activist, allegedly disagreed with government policies. The incident coincided with parliamentary discussions on abolishing Slovakia's public broadcaster RTVS. The state security council and government are scheduled to meet following the attack.
Ukraine: Russia and China issue nuclear war warning
Vladimir Putin is in China for crucial talks with President Xi Jinping, shortly after Russia launched a fresh incursion into Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Putin was received with full military honours, and Xi emphasised their strong 'friendship’. The two countries have issued a joint statement warning of the increased risks of nuclear war amid heightened tensions between nuclear powers. They emphasised that no one can win a nuclear war, and expressed concern over Australia's involvement in the US nuclear deterrence plans. They warned that the conflict in Ukraine could become uncontrollable and outlined plans to deepen military cooperation, including expanding joint military drills. China supports Russia's efforts to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity, and both nations oppose using space for military confrontation and the seizure of foreign assets. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military reports that it has forced Russian troops to slow their offensive in the northern Kharkiv region. Some commentators believe Russia is aiming to create a buffer zone near the border. The Kremlin dismissed Switzerland's planned peace summit for Ukraine as futile without Russia's involvement, despite over 50 countries planning to attend.
Pentecost 2024: Global 24 Hours of Prayer, 19 May
This Pentecost Sunday, International Prayer Connect and partner ministries are inviting millions of Christians worldwide to participate in a 24-hour global prayer event during Pentecost. This day celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, which empowers the Church. The focus of the prayers will be for the peace of Jerusalem and the Jewish people, asking the Holy Spirit to bring worldwide blessing and revival, to bridge divides, and to fulfil God's promises. The event aims to exalt Jesus Christ as King throughout the Jewish world and to ask for labourers to reach every unreached people group. Prayer points include 1. Salvation for all Israel and the fullness of Gentile nations. 2. Gentile believers to provoke Israel to jealousy. 3. Sending labourers to proclaim the gospel to Gentiles and unbelieving Jews. 4. Israel's recognition of Jesus Christ. 5. Outpouring of the Spirit and youth awakening. 6. Watchmen for Jerusalem until her righteousness shines. 7. Peace for Jerusalem, ending hostilities and returning hostages. Join the event individually, or in groups - offline at home or online.
Chad / Nigeria: Cameroon military frees 300 Boko Haram captives
Cameroon’s military has rescued over 300 civilians, mostly women and children, from Boko Haram captivity along the borders with Nigeria and Chad. The operation, called Alpha, took place over the past week and involved around 200 government troops. Oumar Fatime, a vegetable farmer from Ngouboua, Chad, described her abduction by Boko Haram fighters on 17 April and the subsequent threat to kill her and others if ransoms were not paid. Cameroon state TV aired footage of the rescued civilians arriving at a military camp in Dabanga. The operation, which also involved seizing weapons, explosives, motorcycles, and bicycles, was supported by troops from Chad and Nigeria. Many Boko Haram militants were killed or wounded. Boko Haram violence has resulted in over 36,000 deaths and displaced three million people since 2009 across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
