Freetown – Sierra Leone has been ranked the 5th most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), marking a significant regional milestone and overtaking Ghana, which held the top spot in West Africa last year.
The report, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), also places Sierra Leone 57th globally —a nine-place improvement from its 2024 position.
Regionally, Sierra Leone has moved up three spots, from 8th in 2024 to 5th in 2025, solidifying its reputation as one of Africa’s leading examples of post-conflict peacebuilding and national cohesion.
“This progress is not just about numbers,” said the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) in a statement. “It represents the strength, resilience, and unity of the Sierra Leonean people, and the relentless efforts of stakeholders working to build and sustain peace.”
The Commission acknowledged that the country’s fall in 2024—from 3rd to 8th regionally—was due to political polarization, regional divides, and socio-economic challenges. However, the latest GPI results show a positive turnaround.
“Sierra Leone’s rise in the regional rankings is a reflection of the government’s and people’s commitment to peace,” the ICPNC noted. “We remain determined to continue building on this momentum.”
The ICPNC also congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on his appointment as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, describing him as “a steadfast advocate for peace and stability not just in Sierra Leone, but across the region.”
The Commission thanked its partners, including the security sector, political parties, civil society, local leaders, and the media, for their contributions to the country’s peace journey.
“We are setting our sights even higher,” the statement concluded. “Our goal is to make Sierra Leone the most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa—and one of the top ten globally.”
Africa’s Five Most Peaceful Countries in 2025 (Global Ranking):
1. Mauritius – 26
2. Botswana – 43
3. Namibia – 50
4. The Gambia – 55
5. Sierra Leone – 57
The Global Peace Index ranks 163 countries based on 23 indicators covering levels of violence, societal safety, and militarization, providing the most comprehensive data-driven analysis of peace worldwide.
