Top 10 least lawful countries in Africa in 2024

Law is the backbone of any civilized society. When laws are applied consistently, they build trust, ensure fairness, and provide a solid foundation for peace, innovation, and growth.

Without the rule of law, chaos ensues. Societies lose their compass, and the absence of fairness leads to instability, inequality, and conflict. This is why adherence to the law is not just an ideal but a necessity for the survival and flourishing of nations.

In many parts of Africa, there’s been solid progress in improving legal frameworks. New constitutions have been introduced, judicial bodies have become more independent, and countries are signing international agreements to protect human rights and democracy. These steps show that change is happening.

According to the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index, Rwanda leads in Africa with an impressive overall score of 0.63, setting a high standard for governance and justice. Namibia follows as a close second with a score of 0.61, while Mauritius secures third place.

But not every place has caught up yet. Some regions still struggle with weak legal systems where corruption, poor law enforcement, and limited access to justice create major roadblocks.

In these situations, laws can abused as tools of oppression rather than protection, deepening social inequality and stalling economic progress. When those in power aren’t held accountable, public trust takes a hit, and instability becomes a vicious cycle.

The Democratic Republic of Congo ranks the lowest in Africa on the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index, with an overall score of 0.34. Sudan and Egypt follow closely, each scoring 0.35.