KENYA: SIX DEAD IN GUN ATTACK ON CHURCH NEAR MOMBASA .

The death toll in a gun attack on 23 March on the Joy in Jesus Christ Church in Likoni, near the Kenyan port city of Mombasa, has risen to six, after four victims died in hospital. 

At least two gunmen are reported to have been involved in the attack, which occurred at around 10 am. According to eyewitnesses, the men mingled with the congregation before opening fire indiscriminately with a pistol and an AK-47 machine gun, killing two people and injuring 21 others, eight of whom are still hospitalised. Eyewitnesses report that after opening fire, the men casually walked away from the scene, mingling with the public. According to one local media source, the gunmen subsequently attempted to storm another church, but left quickly after realising that it was guarded by police officers.

Although no group has as yet claimed responsibility for the attack, it is widely suspected to be the work of the Somali Islamist terror group al Shabaab or its sympathisers.  One hundred suspects have reportedly been detained for questioning by the police in connection with the attack; however the main culprits are suspected to still be at large.

The attack on Likoni comes a week after Mombasa police seized a stolen car full of powerful explosives and arrested suspected terrorists, two of whom were later charged with terrorism-related offences. It is the third significant religiously motivated attack to occur in the Likoni area.  On Christmas Eve 2013, assailants torched Christ’s Outreach Church in the Mweza area of Likoni Constituency. In June, at least 16 people were injured when an explosive device was thrown at an outdoor event at Earthquake Miracle Ministries in the Mrima area by two people on a motorcycle. 

According to Kenyan police and intelligence sources, a combination of an active Al Shabaab cell and militant separatists is the source of much of the violence, particularly in Mombasa.

Other religiously motivated attacks in the area include an attempt to burn down the Baptist Church in Kisauni in October 2013. This was followed by the killings of Redeemed Gospel Church Pastor Charles Matole in Kisauni and Pastor Ebrahim Kidata of East African Pentecostal Church in Kilifi. Prior to his death, Pastor Kidata reportedly received threatening text messages and had informed his wife that his life was in danger. The pastors’ murders followed rioting by Muslim youths angered at the killing of radical Sheikh Ibrahim Omar and three others on a road near Mombasa. In early December 2013 a text message suspected to have been leaked by Kenyan intelligence warned that jihadis led by a Mr Hassan Suleiman Mwayuyu, a wanted terrorist who was gunned down soon thereafter, were planning an arson campaign against churches in Likoni, Kisauni, Changamwe and Kwale. Subsequently, on 14 February 2014, Lawrence Kazungu Kadenge, an assistant pastor at Glory of God Ministries Church in Mombasa, was murdered while guarding the church building.

Daniel Sinclair, Communications Director at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said, “We extend our condolences to the families bereaved in the appalling attack on the Joy in Jesus Christ church service yesterday. The dangerous elements targeting the Christian community also represent a threat to security and rule of law in the country, which affects every citizen. We urge the Kenyan government to ensure that churches in Mombasa are adequately protected.  We also urge the government to act swiftly to bring the gunmen to justice and deal robustly with the militant elements who are not only determined to deny the full enjoyment of freedom of religion to local Christians, but who also endanger the peace and security of the nation.”

PAKISTAN: GROUP CAPTAIN CECIL CHAUDHRY POSTHUMOUSLY HONOURED.w

 
 

Group Captain (Rtd) Cecil Chaudhry was posthumously awarded the President's Award for Pride of Performance, one of the highest civil awards in Pakistan, by the President of Pakistan on Pakistan Day on 23 March.

At the investiture ceremony at the Governor’s House in Lahore, Cecil Chaudhry received the award on behalf of his father, who was recognised for his outstanding contributions in the fields of Education and Human Rights.

Cecil Chaudhry, who died on 13 April 2012, was a Catholic who had a distinguished career in the Pakistani Air Force, and who was respected by Pakistanis of all faiths. Following his distinguished military service in the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 and 1971, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage) one of Pakistan’s highest military awards, and the Sitara-e-Basalat (Star of Good Conduct) for distinguished acts of gallantry, valor and courage. Group Captain Chaudhry later dedicated his life to education, as the headmaster of two prestigious schools, and to his work as a human rights activist who fought over many years for the rights of all minorities in Pakistan.

Michelle Chaudhry, daughter of Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry and President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF), said: “My father excelled in everything he chose to do; and once again it is in recognition of his outstanding contributions in both the fields of Education and Human Rights that the Government of Pakistan has awarded him with one of the highest civil awards of the country. This is an extremely emotional moment for us as a family; we stand humbled and honored. Even after his passing away our father continues to give us reasons to hold our heads high with pride. It is a moment of great pride not only for our family but for the nation at large and the religious minorities of Pakistan in particular. My father is one of the few people in this country to be awarded with both the country’s highest Gallantry and Civil awards”.  

CSW's Special Ambassador Stuart Windsor, a longstanding friend and colleague of Cecil Chaudhry, said: “We are delighted that Cecil’s work and contribution to human rights in Pakistan have been recognised at the highest level. He touched so many lives in Pakistan and across the world, and left a rich legacy of education and human rights advocacy that continues in the work of the Cecil and Iris Foundation. It was a privilege to know him; he was a man of great courage and integrity who is greatly missed.”

CAR: CSW URGES PEACEKEEPING FORCE ON ANNIVERSARY OF SELEKA COUP

On the anniversary of the coup that brought the Seleka coalition to power in the Central African Republic (CAR), Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is urging UN member states to ensure that the Secretary General’s proposal for a significant increase in the number of peacekeepers for the country is swiftly implemented.

In the last twelve months, the CAR has had three governments and a political coup.  It is currently one of the world’s most precarious security and humanitarian situations.

Despite decades of instability and upheaval, the CAR had no previous history of sectarian violence, with conflicts being characterized by struggles for political power and control of resources. However, from 10 December 2012, when fighting broke out between the Bozize government and the Seleka alliance that eventually overthrew him, local sources increasingly noted the targeting of the Christian population. Between 10 December 2012 and 5 December 2013, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 mostly non-Muslims and mainly Christian people are reported to have been killed by Seleka.

The targeted violence worsened after Seleka's seizure of power on 24 March 2013, ultimately leading to retributive violence by anti-Balaka militia groups, which have been responsible for significant human rights violations since December 2013, including ethnic and religious cleansing. However, reports also indicate that the targeting of Christian communities continues in areas out of reach of international peacekeepers and media. For example, in Bantangafo rape is being used as a weapon of war, with reports of women being raped "en masse."

Although the anti-Balaka groups have been widely described as “Christian militia”, in reality they are composed of pre-existing village defence groups bolstered by former soldiers loyal to deposed President Bozize, former Seleka fighters, angry youths seeking revenge for Seleka violations, and common criminals.

Religious leaders in the CAR have condemned the violence and are actively working towards reconciliation. Following a meeting with the Archbishop and Imam of Bangui, and the President of the Evangelical Churches, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that “the conflict in the Central African Republic is not about religion" and that "religious and ethnic affiliations are being manipulated for political purposes." He also urged the Security Council to act quickly on recommendations for a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “We welcome the proposal by the UN Secretary General for the creation of an almost 12,000 strong peacekeeping force, and urge that this is assembled, resourced and sent as soon as possible to support existing peacekeepers in bringing about desperately needed security, particularly in rural areas and the north. The government of the Central African Republic must be assisted in its efforts to restore rule of law and civil administration and to ensure that all perpetrators of violence and human rights violations are brought to justice, regardless of religion, political affiliation or ethnicity.  The government must also be assisted with humanitarian assistance for displaced civilians, while local reconciliation initiatives must be encouraged and resourced.”

 

ASSISTANCE FOR THE DISPLACED PERSONS IN MANCHOK ,KAURA LGA OF KADUNA STATE.

19^TH MARCH, 2014.

Beloved,

Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria is a Non-Governmental organization (NGO) A non-denominational Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Our Primary Tools of operations are: Prayer, Advocacy and practical support. Essentially our mandate is, giving a voice to the voiceless

Our inspiration is, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-10)

Brethren, we write this not to sadden you, but to share a cold hard fact. It is a known fact that on the 14/15^th March 2014, three communities namely UNGUWAN SANKWAI, UNGUWAN GATA (TEKUM) and UNGUWAN KURA all of Moroa Chiefdom in Manchok of Kaura Local Government of Kaduna state were simultaneously attack in the night, and 145 persons were killed and were given massed burial, 905 Person were injured, and over 2500 persons were rendered refugees in their ancestral home.

Friends, this incidence has made many women to become widows, children to have become orphans and men widowers. Not only that, all the houses in the attacked communities were razed down by fire, stored food were all destroyed. The people are now facing with great humanitarian crises.

We have a tremendous need to help our brethren back to their feet by putting smile on their faces. Their needs include;

ü  BUILDING MATERIALS.

ü  FOODS ITEMS.

ü  CLOTHING.

ü  MATRASSES.

ü  DRUGS.

ü  TOILETRIES.

ü  BOOKS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO GET BACK TO SCHOOL SOON.

ü  CASH.

I cannot tell you how important these needs are. But just imagine for once that you lose everything you have acquired including your entire family at the same time.

Churches and individuals may like to sponsor or partner with us in providing any of the above needs.

Again, any gift in cash or kind will go extremely far to help these sweet families and their children who are not able to help themselves right now.

FOR DONATIONS OF ANYKIND CALL:

Rev, Yunusa s. Nmadu (jnr) = 0802 3098 855

Mr, Francis I. Bakut = 0809 5757 001

Miss, Dinah Abubakar = 0803 4643 834

We will count it a personal favor if you could please do what you can.

God Bless You All.

Yours in his service,

Mrs, T.L Agera

NATIONAL DIRECTOR.

The CSW-Nigeria team,(staff, volunteers, coordinators , partners and friends) would be praying for Cote d’ivoire this week. please be faithful in doing so and don't hesitate to drop a comment where ever the need arises.

COUNTRY OF THE WEEK.

Cote d’ivoire: ( capital –Yamoussoukro)

Population :  20,617,068 million

Official Language:  French Language

Religion : The north is associated with Islam as the dominant religion ( mostly Sunni Muslims )and the south with Christianity  as the second-largest religion in the country and Other indigenous religious groups include Buddhisst, Bahaist, followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and Bossonist, who follow traditions of the Akan ethnic group.

Location : is a country in West Africa ,It borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso  and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the  Golf of Guinea .

PRAYER REQUEST

1.       Pray for the Church in Côte d’Ivoire to bring comforting words of peace and hope and be a beacon of light in the surrounding darkness. . Please pray for the church to get the word out to all to have an encounter with the Lord and for many people to be restored, strengthened, encouraged, empowered and have an expectancy from the Lord.

2.      Pray for those working in creative access areas, whether working with Muslims in open countries or among multiple religious ethnicities .Pray that God will use activity centers, English lessons, cooking lessons, music lessons, or other creative means to allow Christians to interact with non-Christians. Pray in all these interactions the light of Christ will shine through and people will desire to know the God that lives in Christ-followers. Pray workers will be "wise as serpents" and "harmless as doves" in their interactions.

3.      Pray and Ask the Lord to provide wisdom and discernment for leaders to return to dialogue and that those who are caught in the crossfire of threats will be comforted and find strength through the power of Christ our Lord.

4.      Pray for the key Christian leaders in Cote d’Ivoire that they may be able to invite and unite as many pastors from many if not all the denominations in their area. Please pray for openness and unity for all the church leaders. Pray for encouragement, healing and refreshing for the Christians after years of violent civil strife. Pray for unity among the Pastors and leaders. A renewal of hope, passion and vision for the church in Ivory Coast

The survivors of Manchok deadly attack in Kaduna State Nigeria,desperately need your help.

Brethren in Christ please  assist in anyway possible having at heart that as a body of Christ if one part suffers then the entire body suffers. God bless you as you do so.

SYRIA: ABDUCTED MAALOULA NUNS RELEASED IN PRISONER EXCHANGE

 

Thirteen Greek Orthodox nuns and their three helpers, who had been held by Syrian rebel forces since December 2013, have been released in exchange for female prisoners held by the Syrian regime.

Lebanese state media reported that the women had been taken overnight on a nine-hour journey to the town of Judayat Yabus on the Syrian-Lebanan border, where they were released.

Lebanon’s security chief, General Abbas Ibrahim, who was responsible for the prisoner exchange, stated that approximately 150 female prisoners were to be released in exchange for the nuns’ freedom.

Mother Superior Pelagia Sayyaf, head of Maaloula convent, told a press conference: “God did not leave us. The (Nusra) Front was good to us...but we took off our crosses because we were in the wrong place to wear them.” The group of mainly Syrian and Lebanese nuns has been held since December 2013, when forces from Jabat Al-Nusra and other jihadi militias overran the ancient Christian town of Maaloula and abducted the women from the Mar Takla Greek Orthodox Convent.  Reports indicate the group was subsequently taken to the town of Yabroud, a rebel stronghold that is currently the target of heavy government bombardment.

Christians have been increasingly targeted by Islamist jihadi groups, including in the Christian city of Sadad last November, where 45 were reported to have been killed. Last month, Christians in the town of al-Raqa were ordered by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to pay a ‘jizya’ (jizya tax was a head tax levied by early Islamic rulers on non-Muslim subjects with “dhimmi” or protected status, usually “people of the book”, and was a mark of their submission). tax and to conduct religious services behind closed doors, and Christian community leaders were obliged to sign an agreement to this effect. Despite many Islamic scholars and local Muslim residents decrying this tax, it nevertheless has been implemented and published on several extremist websites.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) remains concerned by the disappearance of Archbishop Boulos (Paul) Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Church and Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Church, who were abducted by gunmen in April 2013 as they returned from a humanitarian mission near the Syria/Turkey border. Their whereabouts are still unknown.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "We are delighted to learn of the release of the nuns and their helpers. We are particularly pleased to hear they were released unharmed and were treated well. CSW continues to call for the release and safe return of Archbishops Boulos (Paul) Yazigi and Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, who remain missing, and we urge the Lebanese and Qatari authorities who facilitated the prisoner exchange to use their good offices to secure their release as well."

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.
 
 

COUNTRY OF THE WEEK.

The CSW-Nigeria team,(staff, volunteers, coordinators , partners and friends) would be praying for Japan this week. please be faithful in doing so and don't hesitate to drop a comment where ever the need arises.

JAPAN: ( capital – Tokyo)

Population :  127.6 million

Official Language:  Japanese Language

Religion : Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam

Location : Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.

PRAYER REQUEST

1. Pray that the gospel will spread. Right now, the percentage of Protestant Christians in Japan is estimated to be 0.44%. Japan is classified as an unreached people group. Pray that God will work by his Spirit to bring an awakening to Japan.

2. Pray for the Japanese. Speaking broadly, the Japanese lifestyle is source of great stress for many of the Japanese. Students must study and work very hard to pass entrance examinations for their schools. Many businessmen work very long hours, coming home late at night or even after several days. This is also, of course, a stress on families. The suicide rate in Japan is likewise very high. Pray for the many Japanese who are having difficulty living in this type of environment.

3. Pray for Japanese Christians. It is common for Japanese Christians to feel as though they are outsiders or alienated from their culture. Pray for these Christians, especially that their churches would give them the fellowship they need and that they can fearlessly live Christian lives in Japan.

4. Pray for Japanese Churches. Pray that Japanese churches will experience growth and that the Holy Spirit will give them revival. Pray that they will be bold in their faith and that God will provide a new generation of Christian leaders

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: PASTOR AND SON KILLED AS RELIGIOUS LEADERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP PEACE

Pastor Kongbo, treasurer of the Union des Eglises Baptistes (UEB), was killed on 28 January along with his son at their home by Seleka forces as violence erupted in the northern suburbs of the Central African Republic’s (CAR's) capital city Bangui.

 

Two Seleka fighters were also killed on the same day by French troops following a battle between anti-Balaka forces and Seleka fighters, who were moved from military bases in the south of Bangui to a camp in the PK 11 area on the northern outskirts of the city. The Seleka fighters have not been disarmed, causing civilians in the locality to seek refuge in the church of Saint Charles de Louanda in PK 12 for fear of attack.

 

Since 21 January, there have been ongoing clashes between anti-Balaka forces and Seleka fighters supported by armed Muslim civilians in Bangui’s PK5, PK11, PK12 and PK13 areas. Christian and Muslim religious leaders have appealed for calm and the CAR’s senior Muslim leader, Imam Omar Kabine Layama, is visiting Europe with Catholic Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga to advocate for peace and call on European leaders to assist with the reconciliation process.  However, Walidou Modibo, imam of the Central Mosque in Bangui, has said Muslim leaders had given up calling for peace due to the atrocities being committed against their community. As a heavily armed Seleka convoy left Bangui for the north on 26 January, the group reportedly threatened retaliatory attacks on Christian communities in the northern towns of Ndélé, Bria and Birao in response to anti Balaka attacks on Muslim communities. The Seleka withdrawal has also raised fears of the possibility of a partitioning of the country along sectarian lines.  

 

In a statement released on 27 January, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay expressed her deep concern at “the proliferation of armed groups and the explosion of common criminality which are making the situation even more chaotic and dangerous,” and called upon the international community “to strengthen peacekeeping efforts” throughout the country as a matter of urgency: “Many lives are at stake.” On 28 January, the UN Security Council agreed to sanctions allowing for targeted punitive action against anyone violating an arms embargo imposed in December 2013, committing human rights abuses, undermining peace and stability or obstructing humanitarian assistance. The Council also unanimously authorised the deployment of a European Union force.

 

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the family of Pastor Kongbo and with all who have lost loved ones in the last few days of fighting in Bangui. The continuing efforts of key leaders from both religious communities towards reconciliation in the face of relentless atrocities is courageous and laudable, and we join them in condemning violence committed by all armed groups. While recognising the international community's steadfast commitment to resolve the ongoing crisis, CSW echoes the call for the urgent and rapid deployment of sufficient peacekeepers to ensure security for the civilian population, which continues to suffer greatly. Every assistance must be given to Interim President Samba-Panza and interim Prime Minister Nazapayéké as they begin the monumental task of stabilising the country, restoring law and order, disarming the various militia groups, encouraging reconciliation and facilitating the return of one million displaced citizens to their homes."

 

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

NIGERIA: ENTIRE FAMILY MURDERED IN VILLAGE ATTACK IN KADUNA

A family of seven was murdered when armed Fulani tribesmen attacked a village in southern Kaduna State on 30 January.

According to reports received by Christian Solidarity Worldwide-Nigeria (CSW-N), Manyekrun Village in the Sabon Garin Manchok District of Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) was attacked at around 11pm that night.  The assailants murdered Mr Abin Kaawai, his wife Ruth Abin, and their children, Indip, Emma, Cletus, Bitrus and Dauda. CSW-N also reported that the area is extremely tense following the murders, as angry young men set fire to the homes of some local Fulanis.

Attacks by armed Fulanis on villages in Kaura LGA, which have been have been ongoing since 2011, appear to have increased in frequency and intensity. During 2013, at least 19 people were killed, an unknown number were injured and an estimated 4000 displaced when armed Fulanis attacked Mafang and Zilang villages over the Easter weekend.  Nine villages were attacked and around fourteen people were killed in the Telak District of Kaura LGA on 13 September. Then on 27 September, fourteen people were killed during attacks on Tsokong and Zagwong villages in the Zangang District. The increasingly sophisticated weaponry and coordination employed by the assailants, and the fact that both churches and schools were destroyed during attacks in September 2013, have given rise to speculation of the increasing involvement in these attacks of Boko Haram elements.

Kaura LGA borders Plateau State and is in relatively close proximity to Riyom, Bokkos and Birkin Ladi LGAs, where night attacks on non-Muslim villages have occurred regularly since 2010.  This year, two people were killed and sixteen severely injured when gunmen stormed a New Years Eve service at a Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) church in Maikatako village in Bokkos LGA.  On 6 January, 33 people were killed, several were injured, around 40 houses were burned down, and livestock was either slaughtered or looted during an armed attack on Shonong Village in the Bachit District of Bokkos LGA.  The assailants struck the village in the morning, after most men had gone to the fields. Consequently, most of the casualties were elderly, female or minors.

 

Overnight 14-15 March 2014, about 50 assailants armed with guns and machetes stormed the villages of Angwan Gata, Chenshyi and Angwan Sankwai, attacking locals in their sleep and torching their homes,“We have at least 120peple  from the three villages attacked by the gunmen”leaving scores of residents injured. Some of the victims “were shot and burnt in their homes while others were hacked with machetes,” leaving several people displaced“The attackers looted food and set fire to the barns during the attacks” .

CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the relatives and friends of Mr Abin Kaawai and his family, and with the people of Shonong and other areas that have suffered attacks. It is deeply concerning that the perpetrators are still able to operate with relative impunity in this geographical location. Worse still, this long-term absence of security and justice is now engendering reprisal attacks, adding to a general sense of lawlessness. We urge the security services to formulate arrangements that will ensure the protection of remote communities. Given the geographical proximity of these targeted areas, any new security arrangements must include a comprehensive and unified strategy encompassing Kaduna and Plateau States and parts of southern Bauchi State, if this is not in place already."

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.