Africa needs peace to defeat coronavirus

Armed groups in Cameroon, Sudan and South Sudan have responded to the UN call and declared a unilateral ceasefire. On Africa Day, Guterres is calling on other armed movements and governments on the continent to do the same to defeat the COVID-19. African countries have "shown admirable leadership" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but more nations across the continent where conflict prevails should heed the U.N.'s call for a global cease-fire, the secretary-general said. 

On the occasion of Africa Day this week, António Guterres said the pandemic "threatens to derail the progress" that would enable countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The AU established a task force to develop a continent-wide strategy and appointed special envoys to mobilize international support. 

Its Peace and Security Council has also taken steps to counter the negative impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of critical peace agreements and reconciliation efforts.
 Guterres noted that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention established a response fund, while African Member States undertook robust measures to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the socio-economic impacts.

The Secretary-General welcomed the Union's support for his call for a global cease-fire, an imperative that also reflects the AU’s 2020 theme: “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development."Armed groups in Cameroon, Sudan and South Sudan have responded to the call and declared unilateral ceasefires. I implore other armed movements and governments in Africa to do likewise. I also welcome the support of African countries for my call for peace in the home, and an end to all forms of violence, including against women and girls" he said.

"About 20 African countries are scheduled to hold elections this year, some of which will be postponed due to the pandemic, with potential consequences for stability and peace", the secretary-general warned. "I urge African political actors to engage in inclusive and sustained political dialogue to ease tensions around elections and uphold democratic practice".

Last week, the UN issued a policy brief outlining the impacts of the pandemic on Africa: "We are calling for debt relief and action to maintain food supplies, protect jobs and cushion the continent against lost income and export earnings. African countries, like everyone, everywhere, should also have quick, equal and affordable access to any eventual vaccine and treatment" stressed the UN headline.

There is now an opportunity for African governments to "seize the moment" to shape new policies that bolster health systems, improve social protection and pursue climate-friendly pathways.  Targeting measures to those employed in the informal sector, the vast majority of whom are women, Guterres said, as will leveraging women’s full participation and leadership.  “The inclusion and leadership of young people will also be crucial every step of the way”.