Displaying items by tag: president resigns
Vietnam: president’s shock resignation
In what has been described as a ‘political earthquake’, Vietnam's president Vo Van Thuong resigned on 20 March, after allegations of corruption which have tarnished the Communist party's image. He was the youngest president in modern history, and regarded as a protégé of party chief Nguyen Phu Trong. Vice president Vo Thi Anh Xuan will act as interim president, but analysts think that a permanent candidate is unlikely to be selected soon. There will be a ‘very complicated’ succession process within the party that may last until the national congress in 2026, when the successor to Trong, Vietnam’s most powerful politician, will be determined. Concerns about his health mean the largely ceremonial position of the president is crucial. There are growing concerns among foreign investors about political instability in the country, which is a growing manufacturing hub and sits at the middle of the competition between China and the USA for global influence.
South Africa: God’s ‘process of change’
In January, the voices of a praying and fasting network of Christians across the country stirred God’s heart to reveal some of His plans for the country at the start of the year. One of God’s revelations during this strategic prayer time was that He would accelerate the process of change within the country. On 14 February, President Jacob Zuma resigned, ending weeks of speculation. Cyril Ramaphosa is now the fifth President of democratic South Africa. Pray for the beginning of an honourable era in South African national politics under God’s leadership through Ramaphosa. Pray for the ANC as they face deep structural challenges. Pray also for Mr Zuma’s future to be in God’s hands, whether it is quiet retirement or court appearances. See