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In the line of duty: Militarising African epidemics

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  • Tim Allen
  • Melissa Parker

Abstract

The deployment of soldiers for epidemic control in Africa has become more acceptable, even when human rights violations occur. This article outlines how this situation has arisen, foregrounding overlapping processes since the 1990s and the implications of Security Council Resolution 2177. It then explores effects with reference to Sierra Leone and Uganda. Drawing on long‐term fieldwork, it discusses militarised epidemic control programmes during Ebola and COVID‐19 outbreaks. It points out similarities in the responses to epidemics in these two countries, including the violent enforcement of regulations, but also striking differences. In Sierra Leone, a democratic transition of governmental power occurred, whereas militarised epidemic control in Uganda helped entrench autocratic public authority. To the extent that there is data available, disease control outcomes in the two countries were not widely divergent, yet the Ugandan response has been valorised. This highlights a drift towards less accountable forms of governance, justified by purported public health objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Allen & Melissa Parker, 2024. "In the line of duty: Militarising African epidemics," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(S4), pages 97-108, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:glopol:v:15:y:2024:i:s4:p:97-108
    DOI: 10.1111/1758-5899.13297
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Parker, Melissa & Allen, Tim, 2011. "Does mass drug administration for the integrated treatment of neglected tropical diseases really work?: assessing evidence for the control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Uganda," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 44291, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. David Heymann, 2003. "The Evolving Infectious Disease Threat: Implications for national and global security," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(2), pages 191-207.
    3. Melissa Parker & Tim Allen & Georgina Pearson & Nichola Peach & Rachel Flynn & Nicholas Rees, 2012. "Border parasites: schistosomiasis control among Uganda's fisherfolk," Journal of Eastern African Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 98-123.
    4. Tim Allen & David Styan, 2000. "A right to interfere? Bernard Kouchner and the new humanitarianism," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(6), pages 825-842.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tom Kirk & Rose Pinnington, 2024. "Introduction: Development practice, power and public authority," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(S4), pages 5-10, July.

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