Socio-political dilemmas faced by Uganda and South Africa in the third wave: The impact of lockdown measures
Africa had time to prepare for the pandemic outbreak after the first wave of COVID-19 in China and Europe. However, Africa is one of the continents most affected by the third wave, with South Africa being particularly affected. Africa is faced with over 5.6 million COVID-19 cases and 146 497 deaths (06 July 2021). South Africa is leading with over 2 million coronavirus cases (06 July 2021)
COVID-19 and People on the Move in Africa: The impact of State Responses to the Pandemic on Migrants, Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Internally Displaced People
The spread of COVID-19 throughout Africa has not only generated health emergencies across the continent but has also had devastating impacts on local and national economies, lives and livelihoods. Inevitably, marginalised populations such as migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people (IDPs) have been some of the worst affected, including increased risk for their health, wellbeing and protection.
Coping with the third wave, amidst a slow vaccination process and return to lockdown in some African countries
Almost a year and a half later, the coronavirus pandemic continues to exacerbate pre-existing socio-economic and political challenges in Africa. At the onset of the third wave in June, and where most developed countries responded with vigorous vaccination drives, the fate of African populations and their livelihoods remain uncertain and under severe pressure. This article reflects on the way in which countries are responding to the third wave amidst the rollout of vaccines.
Third wave of COVID-19 calls for tighter measures
The President of the Republic of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, addressed the nation last Thursday, 24 June, announcing the introduction of tighter measures as part of efforts to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19.
Issues and Options for the SADC Standby Force mission in Mozambique
At the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held in Mozambique on June 23, 2021, the regional body endorsed a decision to deploy a SADC Standby Force mission to the Republic of Mozambique, by October this year.
The Fight Against COVID-19 needs Global Co-operation
Speaking at the G7 Summit held on 13 June 2021, South Africa has commended the G7 and other countries for the collective action taken to overcome the current global health crisis and the commitment to create a better, greener and more prosperous world. Ending the pandemic must be our most immediate priority. COVID-19 is not over.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the origins debate: when the scientific becomes political
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be a major crucible for globalization and the interconnected world order, and its multi-faceted impact has dwarfed World War II and the Global Financial Crisis in terms of both compound effects and shocks on a global scale.
Invoking KK’s ‘One Zambia One Nation’ for peaceful elections in Zambia
As Zambians head to the polls in August 2021, learning from past electoral experiences will be valuable. Bearing in mind that the country is still battling with many challenges associated with the outbreak of the pandemic, this piece argues that avoiding a twin struggle of COVID-19 impacts and electoral violence, by conducting free, fair, credible and peaceful August elections would be the best option to enhance democratic principles and maintain the international standard of holding peaceful elections that Zambia has set for many years.
How to react to a Coup d’état – Lessons and Warnings from Mali’s recent coup
On 25 May 2021 Mali saw its second coup within less than a year. The developments in May presented an interruption in Mali’s transitional process that makes a successful transition less likely than ever. Mali is again at a crossroads.
The May 27 Agreement: Oasis or Mirage?
Somali leaders signed a landmark election agreement on 27 May 2021 in Mogadishu. Almost immediately afterwards a number of friends and constituents called me to ask why it had taken this long; why we had to go to the brink of armed conflict for them to sign, what, essentially, is a recycled version of the 17 September 2020 Agreement and the Baidoa Technical Team recommendations. How, they asked, could we be sure this agreement would not unravel, like so many agreements before it.