How to ensure that coronavirus doesn’t stop peace efforts in Africa
COVID-19 is likely to disrupt ongoing peace processes, worsen existing conflicts and generate new conflicts. But it may also offer opportunities for ceasefires and peace agreements.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on the everyday lives and needs of Africa’s people
African governments face a challenging dilemma, finding the optimal balance between the need to contain the virus by limiting direct social-contact, protecting the economy and ensuring that people’s basic needs are met. It is becoming clear that the lockdowns most African governments have adopted to contain the virus are having a disproportionate impact on the poor and most vulnerable in our societies.
Community engagement and people-centred approaches key to successful containment of COVID-19
We have learned from the Ebola crisis in West Africa and elsewhere that COVID-19 containment strategies will fail unless they sufficiently involve communities in their design and implementation. The voices, needs and livelihoods of people and communities must remain at the centre of any response strategy.
Will COVID-19 related arrests affect public trust in Africa?
In the last few weeks, there have been a significant increase in the number of arrests in some African countries, most for the failure to comply with COVID-19 related rules and regulations. The high number of arrests could further lower levels of public trust and increase the likelihood of social unrest and violence.
Africa’s COVID-19 pandemic: Policy dilemmas and containment strategies
The pandemic offers an opportunity for political leadership to be exercised with determination. Epidemiological, not ideological solutions, are the key to success. It is science, not politics, that should guide our response to the pandemic.
The implications of COVID-19 for social cohesion and public order
People may have their objections on the way institutions such as Governments are run, but they expect them to deliver. Part of this expected delivery by the institutions is the capacity to anticipate and manage crises. In an uncertain environment like the ongoing global COVID-19 public health crisis, trust in institutions is essential for compliance to measures to prevent the spread and contain the virus and even more critical to maintain peace, security and stability.
The approaching storm: Social and political conflict in a post COVID-19 time
The political, economic and social dislocation that we are witnessing is unprecedented. History does not have many examples of what the resulting landscape will look like. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions by politicians, government functionaries, religious and community leaders, business people, and civil society can either fuel social and political conflict or mitigate it.
Border closures: Unintended consequences
Borders in Africa and their management are a factor of the complex socio-economic, political, environmental, and demographic challenges that Africa faces. The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic has created a new and unprecedented challenge that can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in Africa.
Domestic and gender-based violence: A case of double jeopardy
Since the introduction of lockdown measures there has been a dramatic increase in domestic and gender-based violence. Women and children confined to the home with violent partners and family are at higher risk during periods of social-distancing and lockdowns. Places of shelter and protection are inaccessible because of being at full capacity, lack funds or may be repurposed, limiting options for women and children. Domestic and Gender based violence will continue to increase in proportion to the rising tensions in the health, socio-economic and other sectors.
COVID-19: Livelihood and food insecurity
With a large proportion of people self-employed, the COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation measures introduced in many African countries are having an immediate negative economic impact on livelihoods and food security.