Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had significantly disrupted economic and political stability globally, impacting human security, a concept broader than traditional state security, focusing on protecting individuals from diverse threats to their well-being. Beyond direct health impacts, the pandemic exacerbated poverty, unemployment, and human rights violations.
Human security encompasses multiple dimensions: food, health, environmental, personal, community, economic, and political security. Economically, the pandemic led to widespread job losses, increased poverty, and higher national debts as countries struggled to manage economic downturns. Politically, governments faced immense challenges in crisis management, leading to eroded public trust, heightened social tensions, and, in some instances, restrictions on freedoms and human rights.
Africa, with its pre-existing challenges of poverty, unemployment, and governance issues, was particularly hard-hit. The African Union (AU), under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the first year of the pandemic (2020), played a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The AU’s response, coordinated through various bodies, notably the Africa CDC, aimed to mitigate the pandemic’s adverse effects on human security.
The study titled ‘The Response of the AU to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Consequences on Political and Economic Human Security on the Continent in the First Year of the Pandemic (2020)’ assesses the AU’s effectiveness using an assessment’s model based on the Human Security Framework, Crisis Management Theory, Political Economy Approach, and Institutional Theory. This research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including semi-structured interviews with experts and academics, to gather comprehensive data.
Findings indicated that the AU’s response was ‘Medium \ Average,’ achieving an effectiveness value of 2.16 out of 4. The AU demonstrated strengths in coordination and strategic management but faced limitations in addressing root causes and resource constraints. These limitations included a shortage of qualified personnel and the ability to develop effective warning mechanisms. Despite these challenges, the AU’s efforts contributed to stabilising the situation to a certain extent.
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This comprehensive assessment model provides a foundational tool for future analyses of crisis response mechanisms by regional and international organisations. It not only highlights the AU’s efforts and challenges but also offers insights for improving crisis response strategies and human security measures globally. The study underscores the importance of coordinated response and effective resource management in mitigating the impacts of crises on human security. This research offers a starting point for future studies focused on evaluating the response mechanisms of international and regional bodies to crises, emphasising the need for adaptability and comprehensive strategies.