Marking Africa Day, António 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 UN Chief told RFI last week that he is disappointed that a ceasefire he called for has not held in Cameroon. When COVID-19 crept into Cameroon, Guterres called on armed groups and state forces in the country’s North West and South West Regions to heed to a ceasefire in a bid to push back the deadly virus.

Though disappointed that violence rather soared in the restive area after his earlier call of a ceasefire, the UN Secretary-General says he has hopes. He said President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been positive on the possibility of a ceasefire, noting that there should be dialogue with armed (Anglophone separatist) movements.

In his Africa Day message this Monday, May 25, 2020,  Guterres 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 continued.

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.

He noted that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention established a response fund, while African Member States have undertaken “robust measures to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the socio-economic impacts.”

While some politicians in Cameroon are using the COVID-19 pandemic to score political points, the UN Secretary-General notes that it is not an isolated situation given that no fewer than 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.

“I urge African political actors to engage in inclusive and sustained political dialogue to ease tensions around elections and uphold democratic practices,” said Guterres, only falling short of calling out Maurice Kamto and his Suivie Cameroon Survival Initiative that has been in a tug of war with Cameroon’s authorities.

Last week, 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 Mr. 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.”

It was on May 25, 1963 that Africa made history with the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) from whose ashes the African Union (AU) was born. May 25, 2020 therefore marks 57 years of what has now become known as the Africa Day.

Indeed, Africa Day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU now the AU) from its creation on May 25, 1963, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.

It offers an opportunity for the continent to promote its unity, deepen regional integration and recommit itself to a common destiny. The annual commemoration of Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.