Momentum Magazine » Conflict

Dozens killed in Chad religious clashes

Justin Long — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:20:12 +0000

Chadian troops killed 72 followers of a
Muslim spiritual leader who had threatened to launch a “Holy war” in
defence of the Islamic faith, Interior Minister Ahmat Magamat Bachir
confirmed today. Chad has no history of religious clashes since
pre-colonial times. In Africa Online.

Chad’s Deadly Cocktail: Oil, Water, and Blood

Justin Long — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:15:52 +0000

Oil, water and blood. In Central Africa the three mix into one volatile
cocktail. I came to Chad two weeks ago to understand how a rapidly
expanding civil conflict, pitting tribal rebels versus repressive
regimes in three countries — Chad, Sudan and the Central African
Republic — is exacerbated by Central Africa’s growing oil reserves
and dwindling supplies of natural resources, especially water and wood. In WIRED News.

Niger’s nomads fight for rights

Justin Long — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:11:33 +0000

There’s unrest brewing in the Sahara: nomads like the Tuareg and the Fulani are ready to take up arms. “…the Movement of Niger People
for Justice (MNJ), a group that is demanding greater investment and
development in Niger’s northern territories, the desert area leading up
into the Sahara…” In Aljazeera.net.

A wall of war around Somalia

Justin Long — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:10:50 +0000

Just two days of headlines in Somalia illustrate the terrible violence that occurs there on a regular basis. On July 8th and 9th, families were displaced after their homes were destroyed.. A UN official with a food convoy was killed, but the government denied killing him. The government paid $750,000 to pirates to release a German ship. Meanwhile rebels using mortars hit Baidoa, capturing it, killing 11 soldiers.

Elders in Beled Weyne asked Ethiopian troops and insurgents to stay out. The mayor of Beled Weyne accused the Islamic courts of blame for the worsening violence while the Hawiye Council accused the government of land grabbing. Police and military forces clashed in the lower Shabelle region.

All of this violence makes it very difficult if not impossible for followers of Christ to work in Somalia. A “wall of war” has been erected around this country by the Enemy. We need to pray for peace and for workers who can labor in the midst of the violence, bringing the message of peace.

Zimbabwe roundup

Justin Long — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:44:21 +0000

Responding to the assault on innocence

Justin Long — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:42:45 +0000

Over 200 girls and young women live
in war zones or troubled post-war zones. Many have been traumatised
beyond the ordinary vicissitudes of conflict simply because they were
female. Read about efforts on their behalf and consider the need for ministries to women in these horrific situations.

Mugabe plan to assassinate rivals in Zimbabwe

Justin Long — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:38:59 +0000

The worst could be yet to come in Zimbabwe, as the country continues to descend into the morass of chaos and violence: read about Mugabe’s plan to assassinate his rivals.

War against LRA looms in Congo

Justin Long — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:55:32 +0000

Congo government troops look set to take on Ugandan LRA rebels who terrorise and plunder Congolese villagers. Read more.

The price of a presidential victory

Justin Long — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:14:36 +0000

SECRET documents have revealed that Zimbabwe President Robert
Mugabe set in motion recriminations against those who worked against
him even before he took the oath of the country’s much-criticised
re-election, London’s Daily Mail newspaper has reported.

The Fog of War

Justin Long — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:39:14 +0000

Marty Duren has written a very thought-provoking piece on the idea of a Just War. Westerners working amongst many unreached groups have been impacted in one way or another by wars and the opinions of war held by those they are working amongst.