Conflicts, protests, and outbreak of COVID-19 keeps African continent on the edge Hassan Isilow and Felix Tih | 31.12.2020 JOHANNESBURG Conflicts and protests continued to haunt the African continent in 2020, besides the health and economic crises due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Thousands of families across the continent were left penniless as breadwinners lost their jobs as a result of lockdowns imposed by countries to stem the spread of COVID-19. South Africa – the continent’s most developed and industrialized economy -- with the highest COVID-19 infections and deaths experienced the toughest lockdown. Millions of workers employed in non-essential services were not allowed to leave their homes for months.