Soldiers belonging to the Somali National Army carry targets used in a training demonstration back to Jazeera Camp in Mogadishu, Somalia, on February 8. The SNA took part in a live fire demonstration today, the culmination of six months training given to the soldiers by the African Union Mission in Somalia. AU UN IST PHOTO / Tobin Jones
Bonface Orucho, Bird Story Agency…
Many African nations have made remarkable strides in governance, conflict resolution, and social progress, challenging outdated stereotypes of conflict and insecurity.
Recent data by the Institute for Economics & Peace (ICP), a global non-profit think tank, shows that across the region, proactive leadership, strengthened institutions, and grassroots efforts are transforming societies. More than that, beyond a few “hotspots,” Africa’s current “modest progress” runs counter to what is happening across the Atlantic.
According to the authors, regions such as “North America recorded the largest regional deterioration in peacefulness (in 2024), with both Canada and the US recording large falls in peacefulness.”
The annual Global Peace Index (GPI) reveals that several African countries rank among the most peaceful in the world. Nations such as Mauritius, Botswana, and Ghana consistently perform well, displaying low crime rates, stable political systems, and strong social cohesion.
Even in some of Africa’s less peaceful regions, according to Joshua Oleitun, a security expert at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha, “there is improving resilience.”
“The continued focus on community-driven security initiatives and regional peacekeeping collaborations offers hope for a sustained decline,” he explained in a phone call.
“Whether it is Ethiopia’s peace efforts, South Sudan’s reconciliation initiatives, and Mozambique’s disarmament programs, they all showcase Africa’s commitment to long-term stability. Mediation by regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS has played a crucial role in fostering diplomatic solutions,” he added.
Mauritius continues to lead as Africa’s most peaceful country, ranking 22nd globally with a score of 1.577. Its strong governance, low crime rates, and economic stability reinforce its position as a model for peace and security in the region. Botswana also remains a beacon of democracy and stability, ranking 50th globally with a score of 1.863.
Ghana, despite a slight drop in ranking to 55th place with a score of 1.938, maintains its status as one of Africa’s most peaceful nations. The authors cite the West African country’s commitment to democratic governance and free elections as one of the reasons that keeps Ghana on a steady path of stability.
Other top-ranking African countries include Zambia (57th) with a score of 1.948, Namibia (62nd), Tanzania (65th), The Gambia (82nd) and Senegal (84th). The index ranks close to 170 countries of the world.
Notably, some of these nations rival or even surpass some Western countries in terms of safety and security.
Separate data from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, a relative index to the GPI, also an annual ranking by the same institution, ICP, further dispels misconceptions about Africa as a terrorism hotspot.
While a few regions face challenges, terrorism is far from a continental crisis. Countries like Senegal, Namibia, and Zambia report near-zero incidents.
Although the MENA region has recorded the highest number of terrorism-related deaths globally since 2007, it has experienced a significant decline, with reductions in six of the past ten years. Between 2016 and 2022, the region saw a sustained drop in fatalities and is no longer the world’s most affected by terrorism.
Also, some African countries in the region have made remarkable progress towards attaining peace. One example is Egypt, according to the report, which reads:
“Egypt has experienced a significant reduction in terrorism within the last decade, with its overall GTI score falling for eight of the last ten years. At the peak of terrorist activity in 2015, 481 people were killed in Egypt from 257 terrorist attacks.”
Despite ongoing challenges in the rest of Africa, beyond MENA, the region recorded a 5% decline in overall terrorism-related deaths in 2024, despite marking the eighth consecutive year the region has been the deadliest globally.
According to the GTI score, “Only seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa experienced a deterioration, potentially indicating a positive shift.”
Beyond peace, Africa is emerging as an economic force, further reinforcing its stability. The rise of industries in technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing is attracting investment and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
As nations grow economically, peace becomes a natural byproduct, leading to improved governance and strengthened institutions.
Countries once struggling with instability are now success stories. Rwanda, once a symbol of conflict, is today one of the safest countries in Africa, with a thriving economy and progressive policies.
Similarly, Côte d’Ivoire, previously affected by civil war, is now among the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a booming private sector and improved security.
Côte d’Ivoire is undergoing one of Africa’s most robust economic recoveries, with GDP growth averaging 7% annually from 2012 to 2023, according to the African Development Bank. The IMF projects this momentum to continue, forecasting a 6.5% expansion in both 2024 and 2025.
Imposed narratives about the massive continent, based on localized issues blown up by both social and traditional media, continue to hurt the continent’s prospects, however.
A 2024 report by the Africa No Filter Foundation estimates Africa could be losing up to US$4.2 billion annually in inflated interest payments due to biased media coverage.
The ICP figures offer a reality check.
“This is unlike what has been framed in the global media. In these platforms, we are the worst places anyone can visit, but when we interrogate data and trends, such discoveries cannot be hidden. We are a work in progress, but we are doing better than most,” Oleitun expressed.
