Special Update: Conflict in Tanzania

 

As you may or may not know, Tanzania had its election last week. There was much anticipation for the weeks leading up to it. The opposition leader was put in jail and charged with treason a few months ago. This led to his party withdrawing from the election leaving only the current president, Mama Samia, and a few scattered independents to stand. It was obvious she was going to be put back into power, and the people were not happy.  Fears of riots and protests were widespread. The fears came true. Since last Wednesday, there have been many protests and riots, creating massive chaos and fear. The government has shut off access to much of the outside world by cutting off some phone lines, all social media and the internet. As of today, there is still no internet.  Businesses, shops and schools are closed, the airport has shut down and a dusk to dawn curfew to stay in our homes is mandated. Loud explosions of teargas bombs and gun shots fill the air, in the day and worse, during the night. Protestors have been gathering in droves on the street, put government buildings on fire and the police and military have responded with forceful retaliation. I’ve heard stories of lives taken for minor offences, certainly not deserving of death, that are too horrendous to mention. Here is footage I personally took (behind a locked gate) literally 500 meters from my home last Thursday:

Police open fire on protestors

Tanzania Unrest - Click here to view video On Saturday it was announced she had won the election through a democractic process with 96.7% of the vote. Since then the violence has continued, and uncertainty abounds. I was able to leave Tanzania today, during a brief opening when a few flights got out. I was booked to go to Zimbabwe later this week anyway but was advised to leave now as we except there will be more rioting and the airport will close again after she is put in office later this week. I pray and believe things will settle down by the time I’m booked to return in a couple of weeks.  I’m writing you today to ask you to pray for the situation.

PRAYER REQUESTS Pray for: Peace for Tanzania Especially over the next few days, as the President is reinstated, that no protests or riots will emerge Safety for its citizens Safety for VOH children and staff - there were riots just outside the VOH Centre gate (thankfully everyone was safe within the centre) Healing for those who have been emotionally impacted by the trauma  The government to lead with intregrity Pray for me too -  for safety and wisdom as I personally navigate through the situation. I’ve been aware of many unstable situations in the past throughout my career, but have never been a firsthand eyewitness to what I encountered this past week. Honestly, it has been quite unsettling. Thank you for your prayers.

Let me close with a word of confidence. In the midst of an uncertain world, this one thing I know - We have a big God who is aware and in control. So, please don’t worry about me or the VOH Children. The VOH children are safe. My compound is secure, I have people around me who can give wise counsel of what to do and most of all, I know He’s looking after us. I wrote this update not to cause any anxiety, but to inform you so you can pray. May this real life example remind us the enemy is real, and that there are millions of people around our broken world facing this type of instability and uncertainty everyday. Pray with me for peace in our world that only He can give. Amen.  Jeanette