Covid-19 Pandemic Feeding Drivers of Conflict, Instability in Africa: UN Chief

New York: Women and young people must be part of Africa’s plans to recover from the covid-19 pandemic, which is feeding factors driving conflict on the continent, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday. 
 
Ambassadors met virtually to examine how to address root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa. 
 
Guterres pointed out that violent extremist groups in Western and Central Africa and Mozambique, including those associated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, have continued and even increased attacks on civilians, creating additional major challenges for societies and governments.  

"One year into the covod-19 pandemic, as we face the possibility of an uneven recovery, it is clear that the crisis is feeding many of these drivers of conflict and instability," he said.  
 
The Secretary-General listed some of the fallouts of the pandemic in Africa. 
 
Economic growth has slowed, remittances are drying up, and debt is mounting. 
 
Meanwhile, some governments have also restricted civic space, while hate speech, divisive rhetoric, and misinformation have risen along with caseloads.  
 
"The severe impact of the pandemic on young people – especially in Africa, the youngest continent – is contributing to increased risks. Loss of opportunities for education, employment and income drive a sense of alienation, marginalization and mental health stress that can be exploited by criminals and extremists," he warned. 
 
According to him, covid-19 is also deepening existing gender inequalities, and threatening hard-won gains made in women’s participation in all areas of social, economic and political life, including peace processes. 
 
He urged countries to make proactive efforts to include women and young people when shaping post-pandemic recovery.
 
"Guaranteeing equal opportunities, social protection, access to resources and services and inclusive and meaningful participation in decision-making are not simply moral and legal obligations. They are a necessary condition for countries to exit the conflict trap and get firmly on the pathway of peace and sustainable development," he said.
 
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