Two of our partner dioceses, Peru and Morogoro (Tanzania) have recently been experiencing political turbulence and need our prayers.
Diocese of Peru
In Peru, Bishop Jorge has asked for our prayers for all those in the population, especially in Lima, currently living in fear. Extortion carried out by mafia-style gangs is draining some 13 million soles (around £3 million) monthly from bus and taxi drivers, shopkeepers and business owners, and those not complying with the demands are being killed. This is causing widespread terror among ordinary Peruvians, and the police have not proved capable of dealing with the threat.
Failure to resolve a worsening situation was a key factor in the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte on 10 October, but political instability and violence has been a problem for many years. The new president, José Jerí, is the seventh president in the last eight years, and only two of these have been elected, the rest coming to power after impeachments or resignations. There have already been protests against Jerí as a result of allegations about his past. Young people, feeling marginalised and unprotected, are at the heart of these protest movements.
It is thus a frightening time for most people in Peru, and our prayers for political stability and an end to the extortion and banditry are required.
Diocese of Morogoro, Tanzania
In Tanzania, an election on 29 October returned incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Her party has ruled Tanzania since independence, and the election was deeply flawed with all credible opponents imprisoned or disqualified, the winning tally received by Hassan (98%) an indication of the undemocratic nature of the poll.
In addition to violence during the campaign, there have been violent protests since polling day and hundreds are feared dead, with curfews and government crackdowns creating a volatile atmosphere. An internet shutdown in place since election day means accurate news is limited, but it is clear that the political unrest is affecting Tanzanians and many young people feel disenfranchised and ignored.
Our prayers are therefore needed for all in Morogoro, and Tanzania more widely, who are afraid or marginalised.
Please hold both countries in your prayers at this difficult time of fear and uncertainty, and pray for wisdom, peace and justice to prevail.
