ABSTRACT
Inspired by the intense impact of the coronavirus (“The Crown”) on the well-being of people, the author analyses how the crisis unfolded in Africa. The author reflects on the impact of the coronavirus on evolving geopolitical systems and the consequences for African development, departing from catastrophe theory. It was found that the coronavirus pandemic posed a catastrophic challenge to the quest for equal partnership in a global context and socio-economic development for human security in Africa. However, the catastrophe triggered collective action out of necessity to deal with the crisis. The main lesson from the lived experience of the impact of the pandemic on Africa is that broader, deeper, and futuristic collaborations increase the probability of violent conflict in a crisis. A harmonised network between international institutions, central governments, organised citizens, and communities in Africa enhances the human security of citizens during a crisis.
