AACC Prayer Alert September 2021

An alert from Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the ecumenical family,

Ecumenical greetings from the All Africa Conference of Churches. The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) is asking for your prayers for God’s intervention in the following situations:

Peace and security:

Guinea Conakry: There was a coup d’état in Guinea on Sunday, September 5, 2021. A Guinean army colonel led a group called "the National Committee of Gathering and Development." Pray for calm, security and peace in Guinea, and the quick return of the country to democracy.

Ethiopia: The Tigray conflict has been raging for 10 months now, leading now hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation. The United Nations estimates that 4 million people face severe hunger in Tigray. Pray for an effective ceasefire, for full humanitarian access to be guaranteed for all areas in need, and that conditions for an inclusive national political dialogue to address the causes of the conflict be created as a pathway to peace.

South Sudan: Despite some progress in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, overall implementation continues to be slow and selective. Issues include insufficient funds, mistrust between some parties to the agreement, the stalled implementation of the transitional security arrangements, including the establishment of a unified military, recurrence of community-based violence in some parts of the country, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall peace process. Pray for renewed commitment by all parties to full implementation of the agreement, and successful holding of elections at the

Mozambique: The situation in Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique remains complex, with armed forces working on securing urban centers amidst the ongoing threat of non-state armed groups (NSAGs). Support of troops from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and from the Rwandan government that have been deployed has prompted the non state armed groups to melt away from areas civilians had fled from. Pray for complete and permanent solution to this conflict and return of normality and stability for the people.

Nigeria: There’s increased risk of attacks against civilians in Nigeria by armed extremist groups Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), as well as by bandit groups. Worse, kidnappings have become endemic in northern Nigeria, with more than 950 children kidnapped since December 2020. While the lack of adequate military protection for vulnerable populations needs to be urgently addressed, social initiatives and political reforms remain crucial in order to confront the root causes of conflict, including poor governance, corruption, and youth unemployment. Pray for interreligious harmony, dependable security of all citizens, and overcoming root causes of the insecurity and violence.

Burkina Faso: Rising violent attacks by jihadist groups in Burkina Faso are displacing huge numbers of people. Many have fled the country. Pray for overcoming violence and for the life of the people to return to normality.

Gambia: The country will hold presidential elections on December 4, 2021. The incumbent, Adama Barrow, who had promised to serve only three years and resign, will be contesting. This has created violent protests in the country. Pray for peaceful elections and for all contestants not to resort to violence after the elections.

Zambia: The Republic of Zambia held its general elections on 12 August 2021. Campaigns were generally peaceful, with only sporadic incidents of conflicts and violence. Thank God for peaceful elections in Zambia, a smooth transition from outgoing president, Edgar Lungu to incoming leader, Hakainde Hichilema. Pray for the new President for wisdom, courage and justice in his leadership.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus". 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18