Tunisia: forty opposition figures put on trial
The trial has begun of forty prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of conspiring against state security. The proceedings sparked outrage as nine detained defendants were forced to attend remotely, a move decried as a violation of fair trial standards. Families of the accused and demonstrators outside the courthouse demanded transparency and judicial integrity, chanting against political repression. While critics regard the trial as part of president Kais Saied’s crackdown on dissent, some citizens support his actions, blaming the opposition leaders for economic hardships. International organisations, including Amnesty International and the UN, have condemned the mass prosecution as a sign of Tunisia’s democratic decline. Meanwhile, the country’s economic crisis deepens, with inflation, unemployment, and stalled IMF negotiations adding to public discontent. The outcome of the trial could shape Tunisia’s political future and global standing.
Pakistan: suicide bombers target military base
At least twelve people were killed and thirty wounded in a deadly militant attack on a military base in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan. Two suicide bombers detonated explosive-laden vehicles near the base’s wall, allowing several attackers to attempt entry before being eliminated. The attack occurred after sunset, when many would have been breaking their Ramadan fast. A Taliban-linked group, Jaish Al-Fursan, claimed responsibility. The explosions damaged homes, causing roofs and walls to collapse, killing civilians, including four children. A nearby mosque was also severely impacted, with the imam among the dead. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, and the province's chief minister has ordered an investigation. This was the third militant attack in Pakistan since Ramadan began, continuing a pattern of escalating violence in the region. Security forces remain on high alert following the assault.
Japan: worst wildfire in fifty years
Japan is battling its worst wildfire in fifty years, with over four thousand residents evacuated and one confirmed dead. The blaze, which started near the northern town of Ofunato, has consumed around 2,600 hectares. It follows Japan’s hottest recorded summer, exacerbated by climate change and low rainfall. Firefighters and military helicopters are struggling to contain the flames, with no sign of control. Nearly two thousand firefighters, many from Tokyo, are on the scene. The Iwate region, previously devastated by the 2011 tsunami, now faces further hardship. Authorities continue to assess the damage, which includes at least eighty buildings. While wildfires in Japan have declined since the 1970s, the country still saw 1,300 in 2023, mostly during the months of February to April when the air dries and winds pick up.
Indonesia: severe flooding in and around Jakarta
Severe flooding in Jakarta and surrounding areas has displaced thousands and caused significant property damage. Torrential rains since 3 March have raised water levels by up to three metres, submerging over a thousand homes and vehicles. The capital’s governor has declared a heightened alert, ordering water pumps and cloud seeding operations to reduce rainfall. Bekasi has been hit hardest, with floodwaters inundating a hospital, forcing patient evacuations and causing power cuts. Rescue teams are using boats to assist trapped residents. This is Jakarta’s worst flooding since 2020, when record rains claimed sixty lives. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts, including evacuations, food distribution, and emergency services. The weather agency has warned that heavy rains may persist until 11 March, potentially worsening conditions. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to guidance from local authorities.
Thank you so much for being with us on this worship and prayer journey - Exalting Jesus, catalyzing united prayer for Kingdom transformation of peoples, cities and nations!
