Uganda: Country holding elections on Friday
On Wednesday Uganda entered the final day of campaigning in elections that will likely secure another term for President Yoweri Museveni, already the longest-serving leader in the region. Attention is already shifting to the immediate post-poll period, with the presidents’ main rival Kizza Besigye vowing to conduct his own tally of the votes. Besigye has claimed only rigging could deprive him of victory and warned that Uganda was ripe for an Egypt-style revolt, saying last week, ‘The brutality of the state represses people until they explode. And once they explode no amount of brutality can stop them.’ Most observers believe a lack of Internet-based activists in Uganda undermines parallels with the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. However, praise God, at a prayer rally organised by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) presidential candidates pledged to strive for a violence-free election. The leaders also committed to accept the poll's outcome and find constitutional ways to address any disputes. See
Pray: that the church in Uganda would succeed in holding political leaders accountable to their commitment made before God. (Mic. 2:1)
More: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/Africa/Uganda-vote-set-to-return-veteran-leader-11713.html
Egypt: The effect on neighbours
Thousands are demonstrating across the region demanding political and social reform since Egypt promised to make constitutional amendments and have democratic elections. Tens of thousands in Algeria, Jordan and Yemen are demonstrating for complete political and social overhaul. Although their leaders promise changes protesters say it is not enough. See: Early Wednesday morning Libyan protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at government supporters and police who in turn violently dispersed the crowd with tear gas, batons and hot water. A Libyan 'Day of rage' has been called for Thursday by local residents with a history of distrust of Gaddafi. In Bahrain the King announced a probe into the deaths of two protesters killed in clashes with security forces, when thousands of protesters gathered in Manama's main square. In Bahrain the Shia majority has been ruled by a Sunni Muslim royal family since the 18th Century. See: Pray: for a spiritual overhaul of the whole region. (Is.23:17,18)
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/20112167051422444.html
Middle East: Church of the Nativity
Palestinian Christians have submitted an application to the UNESCO heritage committee asking that the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem be granted World Heritage status. Palestinian Authority Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khouloud Daibes, said ‘This step is part of our plan to end the Israeli occupation and build the institutions of the state of Palestine.’ The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem has enjoyed UNESCO World Heritage Status for 30 years but the Church of the Nativity remains off the list because Palestine is not a recognised state. Both churches are visited by millions of pilgrims each year with the Church of the Nativity expected to welcome two million visitors through its doors in 2011.
Pray: that the place of worship for Jesus birth will not be caught up in the struggle of people groups. (Mt.1:23)
Sudan: God bless the newest country
A South Sudanese resident said, ‘The results of the referendum mean I am free today. Now I am a first class citizen in my own country.’ President Obama said, ‘I am pleased to announce the intention of the United States to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign independent state in July 2011.’ The brothers and sisters in Christ of the mainly Christians in the former South Sudan can pray, that God will sustain and provide for the people of the world's newest country facing challenges such as a new currency being established, diplomatic missions needing to be opened, and even choosing the new country’s name. Also critical negotiations are due with the north to decide on citizenship rights, oil rights and even the final border demarcation. But for the many Christians these are small problems to deal with after the mass killings and cruelty that so many of them have endured.
Pray: for God’s guidance and protection through the coming months of decisions, negotiations and avenues of change. (Pr.2:10-12)
More: http://ww .breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8646
