In this ocean of depressing news, we are somehow blessed to witness a wave of solidarity between the people, the governments and the citizens and between countries helping each other through funds, medical equipments or medical staff. It would seem that these difficult times are despite everything bringing people closer to each other, pointing out that yes, every single life matters.

The good news is that in all the shades of darkness the world is experiencing, some countries are finally getting some breathing space with a nationwide truce in wars amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the United Nation's call for a ceasefire, it appears that more than ten countries entrenched in long term conflicts, finally agreed to lower their guns in a common effort to stop the spreading of the deadly coronavirus. Ironically, these countries agreed for a truce over a specific period of time. Hopefully this doesn't mean, "ok we don't want people to die from coronavirus only so we can kill them ourselves later." 

Saudi Arabia for instance has agreed for a two-week ceasefire in Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the world, with people dying not only because of the bombing of their houses or schools but mostly from famine, with millions suffering from acute malnutrition. This move is raising hope that finally, after five years of deadly conflicts, this truce could pave the way to ending this war with peace talks on track. In Cameroon, a separatist militia agreed to a temporary ceasefire so people can be tested for Covid-19. However, if this is a light of hope, there is no indication that the bloody war would come to a final stop. Rebels in Colombia also agreed to a ceasefire in a "humanitarian gesture" quotes BBC News. 

But what about post-coronavirus? As at now, it remains unclear whether these initiatives of temporary peace could evolve in long term global peace, easing people's suffering in war-torn countries and most importantly saving lives. If the cease-fire is reducing the weight on people's shoulders, the consequences of war is that people in need have limited access to health services, food or can't even afford social-distancing living in refugee camps. 

With the shadow of recession hanging over the afflicted countries including Mauritius, the risk of social explosion with a rise in the unemployment rate is also to be considered.

Talking about truce, some Mauritian politicians don't seem to be the least slowed in their all critics speeches without missing a chance to speak out how all is going wrong since 2015 and going worst with the coronavirus without really saying what could be better done. In this unprecedented situation, constructive comments are far more important than political grudges. We should not lose sight of "who", the enemy is!