Commends Leadership in Battling COVID-19
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network
NEW YORK (IDN) – A star-studded benefit concert hosted by English actor Idris Alba, an online how-to video for jollof rice, and a UN call for a global ceasefire issued by the Secretary-General António Guterres marked the virtual Africa Day celebrated on May 24.
African countries have “demonstrated commendable leadership” battling the COVID-19 pandemic, but more nations across the continent where conflict prevails should heed the UN call for a global ceasefire to push back the deadly virus, said the Secretary-General.
Guterres said in his message that the pandemic “threatens to derail progress” which would enable countries to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and development targets set out in the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063.
The AU has established a task force to develop a continent-wide strategy and appointed special envoys to mobilize international support, said the UN chief. 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 the African Member States have undertaken “robust measures to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the socio-economic impacts”.
Africa Day is observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which was created on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The OAU was the precursor of the AU. The historic day is observed as an official national holiday in Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Namibia, Zambia, Mali, Mauritania, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Besides celebrating Africa’s decolonization, Africa Day is also a time of sober reflection on how African countries can consolidate peace and democracy on the continent. Africa faces a myriad of daunting challenges that seek solutions.
The UN chief welcomed the AU’s support for his global ceasefire call, 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.
Some 20 African countries are scheduled to hold elections this year, some of which are likely to be postponed due to the pandemic, with potential consequences for stability and peace, noted the Secretary-General.
“I urge African political actors to engage in inclusive and sustained political dialogue to ease tensions around elections and uphold democratic practices.”
On May 20, the UN issued a policy brief outlining the impacts of the pandemic on the continent: “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.”
An opportunity now exists, for African governments to “use this 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, will be an important step to recovery, said Guterres, as will empowering women to ensure their full participation and leadership.
“The inclusion and leadership of young people will also be crucial every step of the way.”
An online musical extravaganza hosted by Idris Elba and Trevor Noah was intended to raise funds for the UN World Food Program and the UNICEF response to COVID-19 in Africa. Stars include Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Salif Keita, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz and Sauti Sol.
Finally, a mouth-watering how-to video by Vongai Mapho – a self-described Shona girl – showed YouTube viewers how to make jollof rice for Africa Day and the whole family.
Jollof rice, also known as benachin in Wolof (‘one pot’), is a one-pot rice dish popular in many West African countries such as Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Togo and Mali. It is also called ‘reddish one-pot dish’ and varies in these countries. [IDN-InDepthNews – 27 May 2020]
Image credit: Republic of South Africa.
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