Civil wars
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[edit] Civil Wars
[edit] Algeria
- Algeria was a French colony for 134 years before it gained independence in 1962. In 1992, the army stopped a militant Islamic party from taking power after they won democratic elections. Since then a gruesome civil war has killed over 100,000 people. In the last couple of years there has been some hope of finding an end to the conflicts, but peace is still a long way off. No part of the country has been left untouched by the massacres and violence that have killed thousands. Pray for an end to the death and destruction.
[edit] Angola
[edit] Burundi
- Burundi. We found the country to be having real peace at least, but it has only been evident for about one year. The people are recovering well and there is no sign in them of the war. Obviously many people died over the many years and of course many are grieving there lost ones. Our interpreter, a lovely Christian, lost his mother, brother and sister-in-law during the war and all his possessions as well as his home. He tells us how God spoke to him to forgive and he really does have no hate for the those that carried out the violence. He has told many people that they must forgive, and has many opportunities to preach the Gospel. He now runs a small bible training school where Pastors are receiving very good training. He is also involved in humanitarian work to his own people.
- The President and his wife are true 'born again' believers are trying to help their people, by all accounts they are liked. There is however a political struggle within the National Executive that is holding back the country at the moment. We have been asked to return and trust God that we will, by His grace and finances forthcoming.
- Graham & Ruth Swaffield, Teachers of Christian Marriage, Biblebased Marriage, part of Links International (UK charity 327000).
[edit] Congo-Brazzaville
[edit] Congo-Zaire
[edit] Djibouti
- Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001.
[edit] Liberia
- During 14 years of civil war, children as young as eight have been drawn into fighting for the warring factions, LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy), MODEL (Movement For Democracy In Liberia), and government fighting forces. The conflict came to a head in December when LURD forces almost succeeded in capturing Monrovia, the capital of Liberia and when Liberian president Charles Taylor was forced to resign and leave the country.
- Since then in a tenuous brokered cease-fire, UN peacekeeping forces have been involved in the process of re-establishing a security framework in Liberia to ensure that peace accords are followed. A major factor in establishing peace is the reintegration of ex-combatants back into their home communities. This includes children and youth under 18. In addition to the reintegration effort, CCF is developing water and sanitation facilities in Liberia through a USAID/OFDA grant.
- The terrible civil war ended in 1996. Its roots lay in deep ethnic hatreds, greed, lust for power and in a compromised Christianity that gave Satan opportunity. The country is still recovering from civil war.
- Civil war and government mismanagement have destroyed much of Liberia’s economy, especially the infrastructure in and around the capital, Monrovia. Many businessmen have fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them. Some have returned, but many will not. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favourable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products - primarily raw timber and rubber.
[edit] Mozambique
- Following colonial rule by Portugal, Mozambique gained independence in 1975. For 15 years, civil war ravaged the country, leaving the infrastructure and economy severely damaged. The country remains divided by ethnic groups, although efforts to reunify have made progress in recent years.
[edit] Nigeria
- The bitter Biafra war of 1967-70 has left deep scars.
[edit] Rwanda
[edit] Somalia
[edit] Sudan
- Sudan’s recent civil war resulted in peace for the south, bringing an opportunity to rebuild its devastated infrastructure. Christians need major help in rebuilding this region, such as support for schooling for refugees, medical assistance, training, rebuilding, and aid for those in strife-torn Darfur.
- Violence in Darfur/West Sudan is devastating. The conflict began when rebels rose against the Khartoum government, complaining of economic and political marginalization. The government provided arms to small militias, now known as the Janjaweed, to crush the rebellion. The Janjaweed are a militia that have become notorious for racist rhetoric, massacre, rape, and forced displacement. International figures project hundreds of thousands have died. There are more than 3.5 million people in Darfur who are completely reliant on international aid. Tragically, over two million more have been displaced as a result of the fighting and are now living in sprawling camps in Darfur and in neighboring Chad.
