The experience of previous epidemics and the age pyramid certainly had an impact, as did the responsiveness of all actors: governments, civil society, regional organizations, etc. The economic and financial effects of the pandemic are no less daunting. International assistance is needed, but experience in managing this crisis could help redefine relations between African countries and foreign actors.

Fred Eboko is Senior Research Fellow at the French Research Institute of Development.

Sina Schlimmer is a Research Fellow at the French Institute of International Relations - Ifri's African Studies Center.

Article published in Politique étrangère, Vol. 85, No. 4, Winter 2020-2021.