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African countries have been searching for the correct response to the crisis. South Africa and Nigeria have begun easing blockade restrictions to give the economy a breather.
Experts have warned that it may be too soon.
Djibouti began easing closure measures on Monday, despite the country having the highest number of COVID-19 cases in East Africa: Some 1,189 people out of a population of 1 million tested positive for the coronavirus.
“There is a lot at stake, but there is no other option: people need to earn a living and go to work,” Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said, admitting that the move could lead to a further increase in cases. .
The Djiboutians were unkind to the restrictions imposed by the government of President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who is likely to run for reelection next year.
In addition to political considerations, many African governments are concerned about the impact of the blockade measures on the economy. Economic growth had been slow in Africa, even before the COVID-19 crisis, which statistically has not affected Africa as strongly as other continents.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that the coronavirus could kill between 83,000 and 190,000 people in Africa, and infect between 29 million and 44 million, during the first year, if it is not contained. Despite this, Rwanda, Namibia and Zimbabwe on Monday also decided to loosen the blockade measures. South Africans divided
The dilemma also divides South Africans. One of the first countries on the continent to introduce a strict closure in March, South Africa, the country most affected by the pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, is debating further easing of blockade measures, after some restrictions were relaxed on Friday.
South Africa has more than 10,000 confirmed cases of new coronaviruses, including 194 deaths, the country’s Department of Health announced Sunday.
Job losses
The negative social and economic impact of the blockade has divided opinions on how to proceed. Some opposition parties that backed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa when the containment measures were implemented are now calling for an immediate end to the blockade.
“The real tragedy unfolding here is no longer the coronavirus but the blockade itself, because this blockade will cost far more lives than it can save,” said John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance.
Some experts say that up to 7 million jobs will be lost if current restrictions are maintained. But there are also those, like Omphile Maotwe of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, who say it is too early to facilitate the measures.
“We call on the government to strengthen and tighten the closing rules and regulations,” said Maotwe.
— citinewsroom
