Impact of COVID-19 on peace and security in Africa
How will governments, regional organisations and civil society respond to challenges posed by the pandemic?
As Africa prepares to confront the health-related challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the necessary measures taken to prevent the virus spreading are having major implications on economies, political governance, and peace and security. Africa faces the loss of livelihoods for millions of citizens, popular uprisings, threats of food shortages, terrorism, the halting of ongoing peace support operations, and a surge in gender-based violence.
This seminar will analyse the impact of the pandemic on existing peace and security threats and responses in Africa. Panellists will consider various dimensions of the challenges posed to governments, regional organisations and civil societies.
Chair: Dr Paul-Simon Handy, Senior Regional Adviser, ISS
Speakers:
Amb Fred Gateretse-Ngoga, Head, Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Division, AU Commission
Mr Cosmas Chanda, UNHCR Representative to the AU Commission and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Dr Andrews Atta-Asamoah, Senior Research Fellow, ISS Addis Ababa