Myanmar: growing resistance to the junta
On a scorching day in Karenni state, from a hilltop overlooking an army base, former army captain Nay Myo Zin uses loudspeakers to address soldiers loyal to Myanmar's ruling military aiming to persuade them to defect, claiming that the regime's fall is imminent. The country is at a critical juncture, with the junta’s brutal repression being challenged by ethnic groups and a new generation of insurgents. Over the past seven months, the resistance has made significant gains, capturing up to two-thirds of the country. Since the 2021 coup, which ousted the elected civilian government and imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi, tens of thousands, including many children, have been killed, and 2.5 million displaced. This is an under-reported conflict, not only because of the world’s focus on Ukraine and Gaza, but also because there is no press freedom and foreign journalists are rarely admitted to the country.
South Africa: has the ANC lost its way?
For years, the African National Congress (ANC) stood as a beacon of hope in South Africa, dedicated to ending white minority rule and championing democracy and equality. Revered under Nelson Mandela, the ANC's transformation from a liberation movement to a ruling political party brought high expectations. However, thirty years later, many South Africans feel disillusioned, believing it has failed to fulfil its promises. Former president Jacob Zuma, ousted in 2017 due to corruption allegations, has returned with a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe, criticising his successor Cyril Ramaphosa, but his disqualification from a parliamentary run due to a criminal conviction has heightened political tensions. The 29 May elections see the ANC struggling to maintain its majority and possibly facing having to form a coalition government - which would mark the most significant political shift since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Dominican Republic: president’s landslide re-election
Luis Abinader has been re-elected for a second term, clinching victory in the first round. The hugely popular president vowed unity and impartial leadership as he declared victory on 19 May, having secured a sufficiently wide margin to win without needing to go to a second-round face-off. His win appears to be an endorsement of his handling of the economy and tough policies towards migration from neighbouring Haiti. ‘Today our country shines with its own light’, Abinader told supporters, pledging to serve as president for all citizens. He called for a country ‘without distinction, without sectarianism, and without party colours’. He also vowed to push through constitutional reform on the continuity of power that would not rely on the ‘personal whim’ of the president in office, and pledged that he would not run again after completing his second term. While opposition parties reported a number of small irregularities, voting in the election largely ran smoothly.
Pete Greig: 'Something wonderful seems to be stirring'
Pete Greig of 24/7 Prayer recently highlighted signs of a stirring spiritual revival. Hundreds of young people from three churches stayed up all night to pray, with Al Gordon noting a unique sense of consecrating love. The next day saw thousands in Trafalgar Square hearing the Gospel, with evangelist Daniel Chand calling it ‘historic’. Sunday at St Aldates, Oxford, was overflowing with young people giving their lives to Christ, overwhelming the church's capacity, with an extraordinary atmosphere. Over Easter, significant spiritual milestones were reported: bumper church attendances, 12,000 baptisms in France, and numerous conversions in churches across the UK and the USA. Societal indicators also show a shift, with public intellectuals advocating for faith, influencers professing faith, and increased media coverage of a religious resurgence. Prayer initiatives in schools and a growing openness to faith highlight this trend. Pete Greig encourages prayer, sharing faith confidently, investing in young people, and participating in events such as the Wildfires Festival to continue fostering this spiritual awakening. See
