Sierra Leone has been ranked among the top 10 most peaceful nations in Africa, according to a recent Global Peace Index (GPI) report.
According to the report, the world is witnessing its highest number of conflicts since the end of World War II, with 56 ongoing conflicts involving 92 countries. The report highlights a troubling trend: the rise in minor conflicts could signal a potential increase in major wars, reminiscent of how Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Gaza transitioned from minor conflicts in 2019 to significant wars.
Despite the global decline in peacefulness, Africa remains home to many tranquil nations. Sierra Leone stands out as one of the continent’s most peaceful countries, securing a spot in the top ten. This places Sierra Leone alongside other peaceful African nations such as Mauritania, which is the highest-ranked at 22nd globally, followed by Madagascar, Botswana, Ghana, and Zambia.
However, Sierra Leone dropped 19 places in the global ranking, falling from 47th in 2023 to 66th out of 163 countries.
Meanwhile West Africa, faces significant challenges, being the second least peaceful region globally after the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Nevertheless, Sierra Leone’s inclusion in the top ranks underscores its relative stability and peace amid a turbulent global landscape.
The Global Peace Index is a global list of countries ranked by peace and stability from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). In 2024, Sierra Leone scored 1.993 and ranked 66 out of 163 countries.
The ranking is based on 23 different factors, including political instability, terrorist activity, deaths from conflict, and military expenditure.
