Ethiopia: Conflict, drought and hunger
In Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, a severe food shortage is exacerbating the suffering of its people. Two years of conflict, coupled with a debilitating drought, have created a dire situation. Malnutrition and hunger have reached critical levels, with devastating consequences, especially for children.
Aid flows were temporarily suspended due to allegations of diversion and theft by Ethiopian officials and fighters. Reports indicate deaths from starvation, particularly in the Tigray region. The theft of food aid, including wheat and oil, has been extensive, with manipulation of beneficiary lists, looting, and diversion to commercial mills. The U.S. and UN demand reforms and a removal of the government's control over aid distribution.
In a hospital in Tigray's capital, Mekelle, a 10-year-old girl named Tsige Shishay weighs a mere 10 kilograms and is on the brink of death. The hospital staff has witnessed the heartbreaking toll of the food crisis, with eight children losing their lives in May alone.
The conflict between regional forces and Ethiopia's federal army has uprooted people, destroyed crops, and disrupted food aid. The situation has been compounded by a prolonged drought.
Reports indicate that people in Tigray have been dying directly or indirectly from hunger. The National Disaster Risk Management Commission reported that 595 people have lost their lives due to hunger. Efforts to resume aid flows are underway, but the situation remains critical, with displaced individuals and their families enduring the devastating consequences of food scarcity and malnutrition.
The suffering in Tigray is profound, with displaced individuals and families struggling to find food and basic necessities. Urgent action is needed to address the severe food shortage and provide the necessary support to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the people of Tigray.
Pray: Prayer for God's Provision and Comfort: (Psalm 37:25)
We pray for the people of Tigray who are facing a severe food shortage. Comfort those who suffer and provide them with nourishment and sustenance. Let your righteousness prevail.
Prayer for Restoration and Peace: (Joel 2:25)
Lord, in the midst of conflict and drought, we ask for restoration and peace in Tigray. Heal the land, bring an end to hunger, and rebuild what has been destroyed.
Prayer for Aid and Compassion: (Galatians 6:2)
Loving God, we pray for aid to reach the people of Tigray swiftly. Move the hearts of those in power to remove obstacles to aid distribution. May compassion and empathy guide their actions.
Myanmar: The ongoing suffering of the Rohingya
In Myanmar, the civil war has created a dangerous and unpredictable environment where nowhere is truly safe. The devastation caused by the conflict is evident everywhere, with destroyed buildings, temporary checkpoints, and burnt-out military vehicles lining the roads. Hospitals, schools, and other essential facilities have been targeted and destroyed, even when they were clearly occupied and providing medical care. The internally displaced people, living in temporary camps and makeshift villages, face immense challenges and lack access to basic necessities like medical care.
The situation is turning into a humanitarian disaster, with tens of thousands of people living in abject poverty. The military's actions demonstrate a complete disregard for civilian lives and a deliberate strategy to instil fear and break the will of the opposition. Despite pleas for help, the international community's response has been insufficient, leaving the people of Myanmar to fight for their future on their own. The war threatens to rob an entire generation of peace and a sense of home.
Cyclone Mocha (May) wreaked havoc in Myanmar, leaving around 600,000 Rohingya trapped and exposed to its destructive path. The military junta, however, blocked humanitarian aid in Rakhine State, exacerbating the suffering and putting thousands of lives at immediate risk. The Rohingya face unaddressed needs such as waterborne illnesses, hunger, malnutrition, and inadequate shelter. Decades of deprivation and systematic abuses by the Myanmar authorities have denied the Rohingya their rights and eroded their survival. The junta's obstruction of aid aligns with their strategy to isolate and terrorize the population. The atrocities against the Rohingya and post-coup abuses require a coordinated response, emphasizing the need for civilian democratic rule, respect for minority rights, and accountability for the generals' crimes.
More: Human Rights Watch, Sky News
Pray: Prayer for Peace and Protection in Myanmar: (Psalm 46:1)
Heavenly Father, we lift up the people of Myanmar facing the dangers of civil war. Be their refuge and strength, protecting them from harm. Bring an end to the conflict and grant them peace.
Prayer for Aid and Justice for the Rohingya: (Micah 6:8)
Lord, we pray for the Rohingya trapped and suffering in Myanmar. May the international community respond with aid and compassion. Bring justice to those who have faced atrocities and oppression.
Prayer for Unity and Restoration in Myanmar: (1 Peter 5:10)
Dear God, we pray for the people of Myanmar facing humanitarian disaster. Strengthen and restore them in their time of suffering. Unite the nation for a peaceful and hopeful future.
China: Town engulfed by a flood to save Beijing
A flooding emergency in western Beijing escalated, leading to the decision to divert the floodwaters to relieve pressure on the capital. However, this action caused unexpected devastation in Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, where the town was cut off, and residents faced shortages of electricity and drinking water.
Emergency teams, including fire brigade rescuers, arrived to aid those stranded in the flooded areas. Boats and heavy diggers were utilized for rescue efforts, helping people to safety with only minimal belongings.
Despite losing almost everything, Zhuozhou residents were grateful for the firefighters' assistance, who faced challenges in Beijing during their rescue missions.
Residents criticized the flood relief system for prioritizing major cities like Beijing over rural areas and ordinary citizens. The decision to protect Beijing by directing floodwaters into Hebei Province sparked resentment and anger among locals, with social media expressing discontent.
Some experts defended the strategy, stating that water retention and distribution zones are crucial for flood prevention. They emphasized that affected citizens would be compensated according to the law.
The aftermath of the floods was marked by a massive volume of debris, illustrating the scale of destruction. Calls for better early warning systems and action against climate change were made by Chinese scientists.
The emergency resulted in 21 deaths, and over a million people were relocated to safety in Hebei Province. The economic impact of such disasters remains immeasurable, emphasizing the need for swift action to mitigate future crises caused by climate change.
More: BBC
Pray: Heavenly Father, we pray for the people of Zhuozhou and all those affected by the devastating floods in Hebei Province. We ask for your comfort and strength to be upon them as they face the challenges brought on by this situation. Help them find hope and restoration in the midst of their losses. (Psalm 34:18)
Pray: Gracious God, we lift up the emergency teams and rescue workers who risked their lives to save others during the flooding in Beijing and Zhuozhou. We thank you for their bravery and dedication in serving their fellow citizens. Protect and guide them as they continue their vital work. (Isaiah 41:10)
Pray: We pray for wisdom and discernment for those in authority, especially those responsible for flood relief and disaster management. May they make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their location or status. May their actions reflect justice and compassion for those impacted by the floods. (James 1:5)
China: Tightening powers against the West
China has introduced a new law that strengthens President Xi Jinping's powers and asserts Beijing's interests on the global stage. The law aims to punish entities that act in ways deemed detrimental to China's interests, signalling a more assertive foreign policy and pushback against the US. It underscores China's aggressive diplomacy and could result in more compliance with China's interests but may also lead to push-back from other governments.
The law defines China's foreign relations in the context of ideology, emphasizing the ruling Communist Party's leadership over foreign policy and solidifying Xi's grip on power. It could stifle discussion and disagreements on foreign policy issues. The law does not guarantee that China will take stronger actions, and its overall implications will depend on the interpretation by courts and the punitive measures imposed. It represents a trend of power migration from the state to the party and within the party to Xi.
The law raises concerns about the potential impact on foreign businesses operating in China and their exposure to the Chinese market. The extent of its enforcement and the subsequent response from the international community will shape the outcomes in the coming months and years.
More: BBC
Pray:
Lord, we ask for wisdom and discernment for the leaders and policymakers involved in implementing this law. May it be guided by justice, respect for human rights, and a genuine desire for peace and cooperation among nations.
We pray for the global community impacted by this law, especially foreign businesses operating in China. Grant them wisdom and protection as they navigate these uncertain times. May they be able to continue fostering positive relationships and mutual understanding between nations.
We also pray for the people of China, that this law will not infringe their rights and freedoms. May they be able to express their views and engage in meaningful dialogue without fear of retribution.
Above all, we seek Your divine intervention in shaping the outcomes of this law. May it lead to constructive dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among nations, rather than exacerbating tensions and conflicts.
We pray for peace and stability in the world, that nations may work together to address global challenges, respecting each other's sovereignty and promoting shared prosperity. (Psalm 122:6-7)
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