Pray Now 4: Elections in DR of CongoAndy Freeman - 25 Nov 2011

Elections in Africa are often a matter for celebration and fear in equal measure.  The chance to vote and decide the direction of your country can be a joy, something people have sacrificed for so that others may have that chance.  But changes in government and the dividing lines of elections have sometimes proved to be points of tension on the continent.

On November 28th, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) goes to the polls. It's tense time for the DRC with some fearing all-out war as a possible outcome of the elections depending which way things go.

Congo has just emerged from 9 years of war and dictatorship and conflict continues in the north east part of the country.  As we spend this month praying into HIV/AIDS the Congo reminds us that conflict can be a direct cause of the virus’ spread.  The conflict here has seen some of the worst rates in the world for sexual violence against women.

Here at 24-7 we were contacted by Canadian activist, Megan who has worked in the DRC and told us:

It's really important that this election goes well and that peace prevails (so that other development and peace efforts can also continue). If violence erupts it could send the country back many years in its efforts to rebuild itself. The first democratic elections were held in 2006 relatively peacefully (which was a near miracle), but this involved massive levels of support from the international community. The upcoming elections this year have not enjoyed the same level of support, and so there is even more reason to remain vigilant in prayer. Congo is a country at the heart of Africa that has a massive impact both politically and economically on the rest of the African continent.”

Please set aside some time on 28th November to pray for this nation.