COVID-19 AND SECURITIZATION OF ITS THREATS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Abstract

The rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a significant global health and economic concern. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is an emerging securitization of its perceived threats due to socio-economic inequities, inadequate healthcare systems, and the prevalence of diseases in the region. In other words, it is presented to the public as an existential threat with its attendant framings projecting a grim picture for COVID-19 hospitalization, mortality, morbidity, and pandemic response in SSA. We adopt a desk-based approach predicated on a critical exploration of securitization theory in examining SSA responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that COVID-19 securitization in Africa is exaggerated, with pessimistic generalizations that do not consider the local conditions and efforts by governments and the African Center for Disease Control in managing the pandemic. Rather than over-securitizing COVID-19 threats in SSA, we suggest that the region’s local realities, age structure, level of urbanization, self-help capabilities, socio-political contexts, and available resources be considered in any pandemic mitigation strategy.