From one of our colleagues in West Africa:
“The November 28 presidential election was supposed to mark a turning point in Ivory Coast's decade-long crisis and restore elected constitutional rule to a country divided into rival northern- and southern-armed camps. But the electoral body did not get to announce any winner before the two presidential candidates declared themselves winners in the election. It is being alleged that the opposition candidate Quattara defeated the incumbent Laurent Gbagbo in the elections. Since the inconclusive election, there have been a series of demonstrations and strikes. But for the presence of the United Nations troops, the situation would have degenerated into a full-scale conflict. Côte d'Ivoire represents the economic hub and nerve centre in French West Africa.

Please pray:
1.    For a restoration of peace in this French West African country.
2.    That a civil war should not break out as West Africa cannot afford to experience another civil war.
3.    That the two political parties at the center of this political disagreement will be able to resolve their differences to avoid a further deterioration of the situation.
4.    For the Church, missionaries, and Christians in Côte d’Ivoire to be strengthened and sustained by the Lord. Côte d’Ivoire is a base for many missionary organizations in West Africa.
5.    For God’s provision and support to the women, children and the less privileged who are easily the first victims in a tensed political situation as this.”