Special Issue on “Covid-19, Peace and Security in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities”

Abstract

Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, it has had worldwide ramifications. While most of the literature has focused on its disruptive effects, wave-like trajectories and associated uncertainties linked to a post-pandemic future, there has been a keen interest on its implications for regional and global peace and security. This special issue brings together reflections, case studies and critical essays on the impacts of COVID-19 on conflict, peace, and security in Africa. Of note are contributions exploring the impact of the pandemic on regional and national peace and security architectures, socio-economic conditions, health governance, human rights, politics, peace and security. Other aspects covered by this volume include human security, particularly the rights of minorities and digital security in the face of growing cybercrime. Despite a rather quick response in the production of a COVID vaccine, the world is currently experiencing a fourth wave of the pandemic within the space of almost two years, Omicron poses new challenges and opportunities for various regions, including Africa.