In this week’s monitor the focus is on the impact of the measures taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Most states in Africa are now three or four weeks into the social distancing and lockdown measures that they have adopted to prevent their countries from being overwhelmed by COVID-19. Thus far, these measures seem to have been successful in slowing down the kind of exponential growth in infections seen elsewhere. However, these measures have also had serious socio-economic side effects, including the loss of income, the inability of people to meet the basic needs of their families, high number of arrests, heavy-handed enforcement and social unrest. The COVID-19 containment strategies cannot be sustained at current levels much longer, and most countries in Africa are now starting to ease their lockdown measures.
Ambassador Said Djinnit, Dr. Martha Mutisi and Dr. Mehari Taddele Maru reflect on the lessons emerging from Africa’s first lockdown phase. Ms. Marisha Ramdeen shares insights into some of the negative side-effects of the containment measures, including economic hardship, a sharp increase in COVID-19 related arrests and social unrest. Mr. Senzwesihle Ngubane reflects on the different approaches countries have taken when it comes to containment measures and conducting testing for the virus. Mr. James Henry Murray and Ms. Karishma Rajoo write about the decisions taken by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AU’s PSC) during their first meeting on the COVID-19 crisis.
The aim of our Monitor is to track COVID-19 related conflict and resilience indicators and trends, which could give us early warning of rising tensions, and inform our response strategies. We hope you find this 2nd edition of the monitor insightful.
