Steadfast Global, 23rd August 2024 (excerpts)
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
In what remains a largely unreported campaign of violence, the bodies of more than 30 people were found on 24 July following an attack on a Christian community in the Beni territory, North Kivu province. Islamist extremists of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are believed to be responsible for the atrocity.
Nigeria:
A pastor and his 13-year-old daughter remain in the hands of their abductors despite a ransom of almost £3,000 having been paid for their release. Pastor Isa Andrew, chaplain of All Saints Protestant Church in Zamfara State, was seized along with his daughter, Grace, from their home on 14 July. The kidnappers have demanded a further £3,000, threatening to kill them if payment is not made.
Uzbekistan:
Regional authorities in Bukhara are denying a Baptist congregation access to a building they have used for worship since 1971 after it was sealed in May 2021 following water damage caused by a burst pipe. Despite asking permission to repair the building or build a new meeting place, they have been told that work must be done by a specialist state company. In neighbouring Khorazm Region, two buildings under construction by local Baptists were demolished on 30 July without a reasonable explanation being given.