Pray for: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Congo needs to be allowed to overcome the evils of its tragic history – this must involve some form of repentance and reparation by former colonial powers. 19th-century Arabs raided the country for slaves. The horrific colonial rule of Belgium’s King Leopold II led to the deaths of 10 million people in the 30 years before 1908. Belgian control and international mining companies exploited Congo’s resources, but oppressed the people. Western countries then supported the corrupt regime of the dictator Mobutu, which caused much of the current chaos. Inter-ethnic hostility in the 1990s led to warfare and killings. Many people fled for their lives. Ruthless and wicked foreign interests exploit the poverty and chaos to plunder Congo’s rich natural resources, especially its minerals. These evils, past and present, must be confessed, repented of, and put right, in order for the Congo to have a workable future. Christian groups in Belgium expressed repentance for past evils their country committed, and this was a positive start.

The powerful spiritual evil that influences much of this land shows itself in deeper ways than wars, killings, greed, and corruption. Wicked men committed widespread rape, unspeakable brutality, cannibalism, and witchcraft against adults and children. The DRC is the worst country in the world regarding sexual violence against women. How could these horrors spread throughout a land with over 90% who profess Christianity? This moves our hearts, and calls us to spiritual warfare. Cry out for God to deliver this land, and to bind the spirits that have such power over a suffering people.