This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that no one is immune to its effects. In Africa, the virus has struck at the very heart of power, infecting prominent leaders and their families. On June 6, 2020, the Ghanaian government announced that President Nana Akufo-Addo would spend the next two weeks in self-isolation after one of his aides tested positive for the virus.
Although the President had tested negative, he opted to undergo isolation as a precautionary measure, in line with health regulations. This decision was made in accordance with the Covid-19 protocol, which emphasizes the importance of self-isolation in preventing the spread of the virus.
Kenya was not far behind, with four State House officials testing positive for Covid-19 in June 2020. The identities of the affected officials were kept confidential, as they sought treatment at the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral and Research Hospital. President Uhuru Kenyatta and the First Family were, however, declared safe and free from the virus.
Uganda's Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda, also retreated to isolation in June 2020 after some of his contacts tested positive for Covid-19. In a tweet, he explained that he had taken the decision to self-isolate as a health-recommended measure, despite testing negative himself.
Other notable cases include the death of Nigeria's chief of staff, Abba Kyari, who died on April 17, 2020 after contracting the virus. The Vice-President of South Sudan, Riek Machar, also tested positive for Covid-19 and went into self-isolation. His wife, Defence Minister Angelina Teny, and several bodyguards and staff members also tested positive.
Finally, Burundi's First Lady, Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza, spent two weeks undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms. Her husband, former President Pierre Nkurunziza, died suddenly around the same time, with the government attributing his death to cardiac arrest.
