In search for peace amidst COVID-19: Reimagining politics, religion, and culture in Africa

Abstract

The Covid-19 crisis has destabilised global peace and attracted various global and local responses towards its containment. However, varied responses to the crisis have had either positive or negative effects to the people, the economy and the environment (United Nations, 2020a & 2020b). Numerous publications have dealt with the responses from various perspectives. One of such publications was “Covid-19 in 77 Verses” which interrogated the logic behind the responses in Africa. This article analyses the main issues raised in the Verses as a contribution to the literature on Covid-19 from an African and multidisciplinary perspective. This work has identified politics, religion and culture as the fundamental building blocks for responding to the pandemic that can either stifle peace or sustain it. The author of the Verses argues that a conversation between leaders and the rest is vitally important in responding to Covid-19 and other crises. It is equally important for peacebuilding and development. The author concludes that in a democracy, leaders are representatives of the masses who share the same culture and are accountable to them. Thus, any action by the leaders should reflect this representation for the common good, namely global health. In addition, religious leaders are not representatives of the faithful but are accountable to the Creator. Thus, a conversation with the masses may not be natural but optional. The masses and faithful are accountable to their leaders and often pay allegiance to them. The paper recommends that in times of natural crises such as Covid-19, professionalism through science, education and communication should guide leaders and people’s responses. Finally, whereas local remedies are encouraged, international efforts should not be downplayed.
Keywords: Covid-19, 77 Verses, good leadership, peacebuilding, African cultures