Emerging trends and issues as countries start to ease their lockdown measures
In recent weeks, as some African countries have commenced with the easing of lockdown and emergency measures – mainly to address the devastating effects of the pandemic on economies – various issues and trends have started to emerge that impact the relations between citizens and institutions.
The fears and hopes of African youth during the COVID-19 pandemic
It has been more than 130 days since the first reported case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Africa. When many were still trying to comprehend the outbreak of COVID-19, at the African Union (AU) we immediately adopted the ‘new normal’. The 13 consultations we convened with over 400 youth from 42 African countries were eye-opening on both the challenges and innovations by African youth in fighting the virus.
The spread of COVID-19 seems to have taken a different path in Africa, but is now starting to accelerate
COVID-19 seems to have spread at a slower pace in Africa than in many other parts of the world. In Europe, where the virus peaked in February and March in countries like Italy and Spain, the spread of the virus seems to be mostly under control for the moment (with the exception of Poland and Sweden), but all indications are pointing to the fact that they are bracing for a second wave of infections. Similarly, in Asia, countries such as China – where the virus was thought to be under control, are now experiencing a second wave. In other regions of the world – such as Brazil, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States (US) – the rate of infections is still increasing.
The military value-add in situations of crisis: the case of COVID-19
The breakout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) set in motion one of the most devastating global crises of our time. While COVID-19 started as a health crisis, the pandemic quickly morphed into a society-wide strategic, security and social economic crisis of monumental proportions.
Conflict and COVID-19: double tragedy for Cameroon
The emergence and spread of COVID-19 in Cameroon have added additional pressure and strain on a civilian population already faced with worsening internal conflict and a man-made humanitarian disaster.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the elderly in Africa
It is now clear that the elderly is the age demographic most vulnerable to COVID-19. It is estimated that the disease kills 13.4% of patients aged 80 and older, 8.6% of those in their 70s, 4% in their 60s and 1.25% of those in their 50s. However, this data comes primarily from developed countries with resilient healthcare systems. In less-developed countries, which have shorter life expectancies, high levels of pre-existing conditions known to worsen outcomes and generally weaker healthcare systems, mortality is likely to rise earlier.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the women, peace and security agenda in Africa
Women-led organisations that are dealing with peace, security and development are playing a key role in developing policies, strategies and guidelines for gender-responsive actions to prevent and combat COVID-19, and in post-COVID-19 recovery.
Country profile: The impact of COVID-19 on on citizens, state and society relations in Kenya
Kenya, like many countries around the world, is undergoing huge political and societal changes as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The immediate response to this crisis in Kenya was to close down educational and religious institutions and other social places to avoid large gatherings of people, while most employers (where possible) have resorted to their employees working remotely. This article reflects on the conflict and resilience-related incidents and trends emerging out of Kenya due to COVID-19-related measures, by specifically highlighting issues of livelihoods, the economic impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence, human rights and social unrest.
Country profile: The impact of COVID-19 on stability and the peace process in South Sudan
The spread of COVID-19 in South Sudan has had a negative impact on the implementation of the peace process and has placed further stress on an already dire humanitarian situation.
COVID-19: An opportunity to reflect on approaches to and the conducting of elections in Africa
The COVID-19 measures have placed a responsibility on all of us to ensure that the strides that various African countries had made to consolidate their democracies by holding regular, transparent, and free elections are not reversed.