When things changed in Tunisia, we were surprised, and largely went back to life as we know it. When things changed in Egypt, we were very surprised, and have started asking questions about how far this kind of civil unrest will spread on the continent.
The Kenyan students well remember the post-election violence that took place last year; one of my Kenyan friends is heading home in advance of the elections here on 18 Feb for that reason. One of the opposition candidates has said something to the effect that if people riot, it’s the government’s fault. Honestly.
How things will play out is anyone’s guess. Clearly, we’re praying for peace and order, and while nothing has suggested that the election and its results will be anything less than orderly, what’s happening in Egypt in particular is making people wonder.
The State Department sends out regular “be safe” and assessment-type emails. Since I live on campus, on the top of a reasonably sized hill (for the whole campus, not just the one I complain about climbing to the dorm), and we now have a police outpost next to the main gate, I feel rather safe. I’m going to be sure to have enough supplies on hand to last me several weeks (read: coffee, sugar, and milk), and not go into town. Election day itself is a national holiday, so I shall be praying and working on assignments.
Results will probably be announced on Monday, 21 Feb, and were anything to happen, it would be after that. Please join me in praying for order, safety, and God’s will in the elections, at all levels.
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