COVID-19 will threaten African political stability

Subject COVID-19 and African democracy. Significance The spread of COVID-19 across Africa is likely to exacerbate political instability by causing disruption within governments, exacerbating existing challenges such as hunger and poverty, triggering debt crises and increasing tensions between ordinary citizens and the security forces. Impacts The use and extension of emergency powers in a number of countries represents a threat to human rights and the consolidation of democracy. Slowing economic growth will undermine the ability of governments to provide basic public services in the medium term. The reputation of the security forces will further deteriorate as they struggle to enforce lockdowns with limited resources and discipline.