Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2024
In 2023, South Africa topped the list of African nations with the highest crime index, scoring 75.5 points. Somalia followed closely, registering 66.7 points. Currently, South Sudan holds the title of the most dangerous country in Africa, boasting the highest crime rate on the continent.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 most dangerous countries in Africa in 2024, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI).
Overview of the Global Peace Index (GPI)
The Global Peace Index (GPI), published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranks 163 independent states and territories based on their peacefulness. The GPI scores range from 1 to 5, where a higher score indicates less peace and a higher level of danger. The index evaluates peace across three main areas: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Conflict, and Militarization, using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from reputable sources.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2024
Based on the 2023 Global Peace Index, the following are the top 10 most dangerous countries in Africa for 2024:
Rank | Country |
1 | South Sudan |
2 | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
3 | Somalia |
4 | Central African Republic |
5 | Sudan |
6 | Libya |
7 | Mali |
8 | Ethiopia |
9 | Burkina Faso |
10 | Nigeria |
Rank | Country |
1. | South Sudan |
2. | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
3. | Somalia |
4. | Central African Republic |
5. | Sudan |
6. | Libya |
7. | Mali |
8. | Ethiopia |
9. | Burkina Faso |
10. | Nigeria |
South Sudan
South Sudan holds the 159th position out of 163 in the Global Peace Index, carrying a composite score of 3.18. It is recognized as the most perilous country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The European Commission identifies South Sudan as highly dangerous for humanitarian workers, with 34 fatalities reported in 2023. The nation grapples with several critical challenges, including political instability, humanitarian crises, internal conflicts, economic difficulties, drought, mass displacements, rampant violence, and severe food shortages. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan, citing widespread violent crime such as carjackings, robberies, kidnappings, shootings, and sexual assault. The most hazardous regions in South Sudan encompass the entire country, particularly the capital Juba, border zones, and areas with public gatherings and demonstrations.
Also Read:- Best movies on Amazon Prime Video to watch now
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is ranked 158 out of 163, with a composite score of 3.17. The country struggles with widespread poverty, social exclusion, and health hazards. Rural areas are particularly prone to theft and assaults.
The risks posed by violence, homicide, terrorism, human rights violations, kidnapping, and internal conflicts render the DRC unsafe for travelers. In 2018 and 2019, it reported the highest incidence of sexual violence globally. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 travel advisory due to heightened crime and safety risks. The most dangerous regions in the DRC include Ituri, North Kivu, and the Eastern region, along with the Kasai provinces.
Somalia
Somalia ranks 156 out of 163 in the Global Peace Index, holding a composite score of 3.13. The country faces high child and maternal mortality rates, severe malnutrition, and frequent disease outbreaks. Its healthcare system suffers from critical shortages, with only a third of facilities operational.
Somalia is a major source of human smuggling, with many individuals trafficked across East Africa to Libya and subsequently to Europe. Violent crime and terrorism are among the primary concerns. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory due to crime, terrorism, piracy, civil unrest, and health hazards. Piracy remains a significant issue, including the hijacking of merchant vessels and maritime smuggling activities. The most dangerous areas include the entire country, particularly Puntland and Somaliland, as well as facilities like airports and seaports, and international waters prone to piracy.
Also Read:- The 10 Famous Lakes In The World
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic ranks 155 out of 163 on the Global Peace Index, with a composite score of 3.02. This unstable nation presents severe risks for travelers.
The CAR faces a precarious security environment, with high threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. Other hazards for travelers include ongoing armed conflicts between government forces and rebels, elevated levels of violent crime, and a severely inadequate healthcare system. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for the Central African Republic. The most perilous regions include the entire country, especially the capital Bangui, airports, border areas, and regions controlled by armed factions.
Also Read:- The 10 Best New Movies On Netflix In August 2024
Sudan
Sudan is positioned 154 out of 163 with a composite score of 3.00. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has experienced ongoing civil conflict, with South Sudan also facing ethnic and political turmoil, famine, and humanitarian crises.
More than 42% of the population has been displaced due to violence. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory, intensifying warnings against travel to Sudan. The most hazardous areas include the entire country, particularly the capital Khartoum, border regions near Chad and South Sudan, the Blue Nile region, and the South Kordofan region.
Libya
Libya ranks 151 out of 163 on the Global Peace Index with a composite score of 2.93. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Libya due to high crime rates, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
Regions bordering Algeria, Niger, Chad, and Sudan are especially perilous. Bandits and armed groups operate in these areas, and cross-border travel should be avoided. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for Libya, citing persistent insecurity, violent clashes between armed groups, terrorist threats, and an unpredictable political landscape. The most dangerous areas include the entire country, particularly the capital Tripoli, Surman, Al-Jufra, and Sabha.
Mali
Mali is ranked 150 out of 163 countries with a GPI composite score of 2.91. According to Global Guardian, Mali is classified as an extreme risk nation.
The U.S. State Department reported in 2021 that terrorist groups operating in Mali include ISIS-GS and JNIM. These groups have been known to kidnap and kill civilians, including humanitarian workers, and target military and peacekeeping forces. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for Mali. Current risks include violent crime, such as homicide, terrorism, and kidnapping. The most dangerous areas in Mali encompass the capital Bamako, its suburbs, southern regions, and border areas.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is regarded as one of the most hazardous countries globally due to its political turmoil, ethnic divisions, and armed conflicts. It ranks 151st on the Global Peace Index, holding a composite GPI score of 2.80.
The nation is currently embroiled in multiple armed conflicts involving various groups opposing government forces and each other. Ethnic armed organizations have significant control over regional administrations. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 travel advisory for Ethiopia, citing risks from conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping along borders, civil unrest, and rising violent crime. The most dangerous areas include borders with Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, and Eritrea, as well as the Tigray region and regions along the Amhara-Tigray and Afar-Tigray borders.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso ranks 146 out of 163 countries globally with a composite GPI score of 2.78, indicating a high risk for travelers.
The UK government advises against all travel to Burkina Faso, except to the capital, Ouagadougou, due to the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping amid an unstable political environment. The primary danger comes from Al-Qaida affiliated groups and other regional Islamist factions, who may launch attacks with little or no warning. Kidnapping risks are particularly high in the northern regions, close to Mali and Niger, where criminal and terrorist groups are active. The most dangerous areas include the entire Sahel and East regions, as well as the Kossi, Sourou, Kenegougou, Loroum, and Koulpelogo provinces.
Nigeria
According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Nigeria ranks 144 out of 163 countries regarding safety. The country is currently among the 10 most dangerous nations in Africa due to issues such as violent crime, maritime crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 travel advisory for Nigeria, signaling heightened risks related to crime and safety. Terrorists continue to plan and execute attacks targeting malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, public buildings, transit hubs, and other locations with large crowds. The most hazardous areas in Nigeria include Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, Kogi, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states, along with coastal regions like Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Rivers.
FAQs on the Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2024
Which African country has the highest crime rate?
In 2023, South Africa recorded the highest crime index in Africa, scoring 75.5. This index is derived from survey responses regarding perceptions of crime, safety levels, and specific concerns about property and violent crimes.
Which African nation experiences the most kidnappings?
As of 2023, South Africa has the highest kidnapping rate on the continent, with approximately 9.57 kidnappings per 100,000 individuals. Benin follows as the second highest.
Which country in Africa boasts the lowest crime rate?
Mauritius is regarded as the safest country in Africa, according to the Global Peace Index, with a score of 1.55, comparable to the safety levels of Norway and Australia.
What are the most dangerous countries in Africa?
The ten most perilous countries in Africa include South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mali, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.
What are the top three most dangerous countries?
The three most hazardous nations in Africa are South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia.
What precautions should I take when visiting Africa?
If traveling to Africa, it’s wise to steer clear of the most dangerous countries, avoid getting too close to wildlife, refrain from drinking tap water, limit displays of wealth, and not travel alone.