Background The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) is a South African-based civil society organisation working throughout Africa to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent. ACCORD’s primary aim is to influence political developments across the continent by bringing conflict resolution, dialogue and institutional development to the forefront as an alternative to armed violence and protracted conflict. The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the measures to contain it have exacerbated existing social, political, economic and environmental vulnerabilities across Africa. The pandemic has also exacerbated conflict in countries where conflict was already present, and in countries that were vulnerable to conflict. In addition, several relatively stable countries can now be classified as conflict vulnerable as a consequence of COVID-19. ACCORD’s ongoing tracking and analysis of the impact of the pandemic on conflict and resilience in Africa has identified twelve countries as at 20 May 2020 that may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19 related social unrest, and in some cases, violent conflict adding additional layers of stress to governance systems that are already under pressure. Although the medium to longer-term impact on peace and security is difficult to predict at this stage, we know that these conflicts will increasingly require the capabilities and capacities of local and national peace actors to prevent, mitigate, and resolve conflicts. As part of its response, ACCORD will continue to host a series of virtual training webinars and lecture series aimed at strengthening the capacities of regional, national, and local actors to prevent and manage conflicts.