Germany's conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, have formed a coalition with the Social Democrats, ending five months of political uncertainty. Merz, 69, promised strong leadership, reforms, and renewed international confidence, declaring, ‘Germany is back on track’. The coalition plans major investments in defence and infrastructure, made possible by reforms to strict debt rules. A key focus is controlling irregular migration and restoring voter trust. Despite pressure from the far-right AfD, which recently topped opinion polls, Merz promised to balance firm border policies with democratic values. The coalition also pledges increased military spending and voluntary service, following Sweden’s model. Boris Pistorius will remain as defence minister, ensuring continuity. Support for Ukraine and fulfilling NATO commitments are central to the agenda. While critics question the coalition’s ability to end the recession, Merz remains optimistic.
Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Hungary for its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a four-day visit to Budapest, marking a rare foreign trip for him since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Prime minister Viktor Orban, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, condemned the ICC's warrant as politically motivated and announced Hungary's intention to leave the court. Israel has also rejected the ICC’s accusations, arguing that they were driven by antisemitism and undermined Israel's right to self-defence. Hungary, as a founding member of the ICC, is still technically bound by its commitments; the process of withdrawal will take about a year. Other European countries are split on the validity of the warrant: some have expressed legal doubts. Netanyahu left on 6 April for Washington: the USA is not a member of the ICC, and neither are China or Russia.
Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. After withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), he reimposed sanctions, citing Iran's support for militias like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran has subsequently ignored some of the deal's restrictions and enriched more and more uranium nuclear fuel: analysts fear it could soon be capable of making a nuclear warhead. Trump has reinstated his ‘maximum pressure’ strategy, imposing additional sanctions, but he has now agreed to direct discussions between US and Iranian officials in Oman. However, the USA is demanding full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear programme, a request Tehran will find difficult to accept. Iran’s hardliners view nuclear deterrence as essential, and past negotiations show how challenging these discussions can be. Israel insists on the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capacity, while military action remains a possibility if talks fail.
On 9 April Israel carried out an airstrike in northern Gaza, reportedly killing a senior Hamas commander, Haitham al-Sheikh. The IDF said the operation targeted a high-ranking terrorist and said there were multiple measures to minimise civilian casualties. However, Palestinian sources reported at least 23 killed, including women and children, though the numbers remain unverified. Local accounts described missiles striking a building near tents housing displaced families. Hamas condemned the strike as a ‘massacre’, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad also denounced the attack. Al-Sheikh is the third commander of the battalion killed since the war began in October 2023. His predecessors, Wisam Farhat and Jamil Amar Wadia, were also eliminated in IDF operations. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme is desperately short of funding for its aid programme in Gaza: see
China has announced an 84% tariff on all US imports, up from 34%, in retaliation to Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on Chinese imports (now 104%). This move escalates tensions in the ongoing trade war and sent global stock markets into further decline. Global oil prices also fell, adding to fears of a recession. However, US markets later showed some recovery after treasury secretary Scott Bessent hinted at potential trade agreements with allies. Trump is encouraging businesses to move to the USA, claiming zero tariffs and favourable conditions for companies. While China has expressed reluctance to engage in a full-scale trade war, it said it needed to protect its economy. Despite concerns over higher inflation, Trump remains optimistic about revitalising US manufacturing. He has now announced a pause in imposing the harsher tariffs, which has encouraged the stock markets. For a view about what this pause will mean, see
President Luis Abinader has introduced measures to address illegal immigration from neighbouring Haiti, where the continuing violence is forcing many to flee. The new policies, described as ‘painful but necessary’, include charging migrants for hospital services and penalising those who rent to undocumented individuals. He is also increasing military presence at the border and speeding up border wall construction. He said that his country’s resources were strained, and spoke of the burden on hospitals, schools, and security. Human rights activists have criticised the measures as discriminatory and accused the government of abusing migrants. Over 180,000 migrants have already been deported, and stricter penalties will be imposed on those who aid illegal crossings. However, this week the nation’s attention is focussed on a tragedy in the capital, Santo Domingo: at least 184 were killed and over 250 injured after a roof collapsed at a nightclub. See
Gabon: first election since 2023 coup
11 Apr 2025
On 13 April, Gabon will hold its first presidential election since the 2023 coup which ended the Bongo family’s 56-year rule. General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup and became transitional president, is now running to formalise his leadership. His main opponent is Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, a former prime minister under Ali Bongo, who has formed a new political movement to distance himself from the previous regime. Since most state institutions are controlled by Nguema loyalists, analysts predict he is likely to win. Many citizens support him for ending Bongo’s unpopular rule and promising reform. He envisions a Gabon that ‘rises from the ashes’, pledging to boost infrastructure, diversify the economy, and improve governance. Though the economy grew modestly in 2024, Gabon remains heavily reliant on oil. Citizens hope this election will lead to greater accountability and transparency, and improved living conditions, particularly in education, health, and infrastructure.
“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”
- Leviticus 6:13
We are pleased to bring you the April 2025 edition of IPC Connections!
I trust that you will be blessed and encouraged as you read the articles, news and resources info this month!
Will you become an IPC Prayer Flame Partner?…
This past year, your prayers have truly encouraged us—and for that, we are deeply thankful. Normally, we place financial support requests at the end of our updates, but as we move forward in faith, we sense the Lord prompting us to bring this need to the forefront.
The opportunities before us in 2025 are vast and exciting, and to seize them fully, we need a committed family of monthly supporters who will fuel this growing global movement of prayer. That’s why we’re inviting you to become one of our Prayer Flame Partners!
Your regular giving—however small—will help keep the fire of prayer burning across the nations.
We’ve made it simple and secure to give monthly online using PayPal. Every gift makes a difference. Every prayer fuels the mission. Will you stand with us in this way?
Click Here to support IPC monthly using PayPal, or visit www.ipcprayer.org/donate
Together, let’s ignite prayer and see the world transformed!
Snapshot from the IPC Regions…
I am heartened to report much encouraging progress across our 15 developing IPC Regional Prayer Councils already this year! Here's just a few snippets... I was honored to meet with our South Asia Director, Onassis Jeevaraj, IPC Senior Adviser, Tom Victor (pictured) and other leaders from India and neighboring nations in February. During our time together we prayer walked during the Maha Kumbh Mela, which had 120 million Hindus participating there that day.
Our East Asia Regional Prayer Council Summit later in February drew together leaders from the region in a powerful time of sharing, worship, prayer and relationship building.
This coming month, leaders from many South-East Asian nations will be joining us in Batam, Indonesia for a convocation.
Following on from the World Prayer Assembly 2023 in Perth, we are so encouraged to hear of 20+ new school prayer initiatives around Perth, and the Churches revitalized through prayer! Read below about the upcoming United City Harvest Outreach in Perth. Also, in Australia – Pentecost 25 – Sydney Alive!
We were hugely encouraged that many thousands of believers rallied to join a Global Day of Prayer for Africa a few weeks ago. Our regional leaders across Africa are meeting online regularly where they are sharing news, prayer needs, praise and prophetic directions.
Our 4 Global Days of Prayer continue to attract offline and online support engaging 100 million+ believers each time, for which I continue to be astounded and grateful! The Buddhist and Muslim world focused days of prayer have taken place, and we are looking forward to the Pentecost gatherings early June! – See below…
And so much more is happening, praise God!
Pentecost Global Day of Prayer – 8-9 June 2025 from 20:00HRS Jerusalem (UTC+3)
We invite you and your families, contacts and networks to join us for a Global Day of Prayer starting on June 8th 2025 at !
Across 24 hours, we will worship and pray where we are, together and online – however we are able.
Our aim is to dedicate time around the throne and around the clock for worship-saturated prayers for personal, local and global breakthrough! – with a special focus on the Jewish world.
This is the third of 4 worldwide days of prayer for 2025!
Editorial – Discover the Power of Unrelenting Prayer
In a world aching for justice, revival, and hope, Dr. Jason Hubbard calls believers to a life of persistent, faith-filled intercession. Learn how night-and-day prayer, rooted in God’s Word and overflowing with hope, can shift cities, release justice, and welcome Christ’s return. This inspiring editorial will stir your spirit and awaken fresh vision for your prayer life. Don’t miss this timely and prophetic message!
Myanmar Earthquake – Prayers and Support
I know that we are all praying, checking in with people we know and sending love and donations to the people affected by the recent earthquake in Myanmar. Truly devastating - and it will take decades for homes, livelihoods and towns to be fully restored. Our prayers go out to all of those affected. Please see the article below for some prayer pointers and donation options.
Thank you…
And finally, a thank you! - so much for standing with us in the recent 72 hours of prayer for breakthrough across the Muslim world. I was deeply moved by your heart and participation - from children in Indonesia crying out for Uzbekistan, to passionate intercession over Gaza and revival prayers in Kano, Nigeria.
Together, over 100 million believers prayed from Latin America to China, in homes, churches, and prayer rooms - 120 houses of prayer hosted 24/7 prayer!
We believe God is answering every Christ-exalting, Bible-based cry for our Muslim neighbors.
Would you continue the journey with us?
You can now sign up for daily prayer fuel - short updates with videos, city insights, and focused prayer points from on-the-ground missionaries, church planters, and Bible translators.
More info and Sign Up HERE
Let’s keep praying until Jesus receives the full reward for His suffering!
Wishing you all a blessed and Happy Easter!
Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect