Talks Vital to Resolve Yemen Political Crisis

Today, Monday, talks are planned in the Yemen capital, with the hope of resolving the political crisis in that country. Most political parties have agreed to attend the talks, including the Houthis, who have recently taken over power after a coup saw the President resign and be held under house arrest.

Since then, the Houthis have dissolved parliament and announced plans for an interim assembly and five-member presidential council, which will rule for up to two years. While the Houthis maintain that they are open to working in “partnership, co-operation and brotherhood” with other political forces in Yemen, they are a minority Shia group from the north, and, as such, will not be recognised by Sunni groups, nor by the southern leaders, giving rise to real concern that this could cause Yemen to descend into civil war, as the south increases its calls for secession from the north.

In a country of soaring unemployment, high food prices and limited access to any aid, many Yemeni people are afraid for the future of their country and what the current political  crisis means for them and their children.

• Let us continue to pray for Yemen, for peaceful resolution to the political crisis, agreement to work together towards this on all sides, and stability for this  country.
• Pray for the talks today, for wisdom for those leading them and for hope for a good outcome.
• Pray for the millions of Yemeni people living from day to day with no security or hope for their future. Pray they will come to know the One who holds the future, and His great love for them and their country.

Psalm 130, vs 5 and 7: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.

Source: http://www.bbc.com