10 African Countries with the Worst Law and Order

The issue of safety is a major concern across the world, and Africa is no exception. According to the 2024 Global Safety Report by Gallup, globally, 5% of people report being victims of violent crime in the past two years. 

While this number may seem small, it represents millions of disrupted lives, shattered families, and communities gripped by fear. In Africa, the challenges to safety are even more pronounced due to factors like political instability, armed conflicts, economic inequality, and weak rule of law. 

Many countries on the continent struggle to uphold the rule of law, with underfunded or corrupt law enforcement agencies, poorly trained police forces, and a lack of accountability.

The Law and Order Index, a survey conducted with 146,000 people across 140 countries, provides insight into how people perceive safety in their communities. It is based on three key areas: personal safety, confidence in the police, and experiences of assault or theft. 

For many African nations, this index reveals a troubling reality—many citizens feel unsafe, unable to trust local law enforcement or rely on the justice system to protect them.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 50% of people report feeling unsafe, a number that has been on the rise in recent years. The absence of strong legal institutions and the failure to combat corruption only worsen the situation. 

Political instability and armed conflicts in many African nations further complicate efforts to provide security. When citizens lose trust in the police and legal systems, it creates an environment where crime thrives, and personal safety is at risk. Here are the African nations where law and order remain serious concerns.

Liberia (Global Rank 140, Score: 50)

Liberia is ranked as the least secure country in Africa. The country suffers from political corruption, weak law enforcement, and limited access to basic services. These factors have made the people feel unsafe, with many unable to trust the police or the legal system. As one of the poorest countries in the world, Liberia faces ongoing struggles in building strong institutions to protect its citizens.

Sierra Leone (Global Rank 138, Score: 57)

Sierra Leone ranks second on the list, with its law and order situation still struggling after years of civil war. Despite progress in rebuilding the country, political instability and high levels of poverty continue to undermine the safety of its people. The police force in Sierra Leone is often underfunded and poorly trained, which makes it hard for them to effectively combat crime.

South Africa (Global Rank 137, Score: 58)

South Africa is known for its high crime rates, including violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and murder. While the country has made progress in many areas since the end of apartheid, issues like political corruption, economic inequality, and an underfunded police force have led to a sense of insecurity. Many South Africans feel that the police are not doing enough to keep them safe.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (Global Rank 136, Score: 58)

The DRC is plagued by armed conflict and political instability, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Africa. Violent groups operate in various parts of the country, and the law enforcement system struggles to maintain control. Many citizens live in fear of both criminal violence and the ongoing conflicts between different groups.

The Gambia (Global Rank 135, Score: 59)

Despite being one of the smaller nations in Africa, The Gambia has significant law and order challenges. The country has faced political instability and corruption, which have weakened the police and judicial systems. People in The Gambia feel unsafe due to the lack of trust in the authorities and the high levels of crime, particularly in urban areas.

Chad (Global Rank 134, Score: 60)

Chad ranks as one of the most unsafe countries in Africa, with a score of 60 on the Law and Order Index. The country faces constant challenges due to political unrest, violence, and an overstretched police force. Chad has been involved in regional conflicts, and its internal security situation is far from stable, with many citizens feeling unsafe in their daily lives.

Botswana (Global Rank 133, Score: 60)

Although Botswana is often seen as one of the more stable countries in Africa, it still faces challenges related to law and order. Crime, particularly petty theft and burglary, is a concern, and the police force sometimes struggles with limited resources. Botswana’s law enforcement system is not as strong as some of its neighbors, leading to a lower score on the index.

Uganda (Global Rank 132, Score: 62)

Uganda has faced significant political instability, especially in recent years. The government’s tight control over the country and its human rights record have led to distrust in law enforcement. Uganda’s police force is often seen as corrupt and inefficient, which leaves many people feeling unsafe. 

Gabon (Global Rank 131, Score: 62)

Gabon, a small country on the west coast of Africa, also struggles with weak law and order. Political instability, corruption, and an inefficient police force have contributed to a feeling of insecurity among its citizens. Gabon’s government has faced criticism for its inability to provide a safe environment for its people, with violent crime being a significant issue in urban areas.

Eswatini (Global Rank 130, Score: 62)

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, rounds out the list of the 10 least secure African countries. The country has faced political unrest, especially during times of public protests. The police are often seen as oppressive, and the judicial system is weak, which has led to fears about personal safety. Eswatini’s law enforcement struggles to deal with issues like violent crime and political violence.