Africa’s 54 nations have distinct approaches to law enforcement, shaped by their histories, cultures, and governance structures. While countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have large, organized police forces, smaller nations like Eswatini and Seychelles operate more modest services.
The African Union and regional bodies like ECOWAS and SADC often emphasize the importance of law enforcement in fostering peace and security. However, the capacity to deliver on these mandates varies greatly for different reasons.
Many African police services are strapped for cash, and it shows. From low salaries to outdated gear and understaffed forces, the lack of resources makes their job tough. Corruption doesn’t help either, bribery and abuse of power are common complaints, and it’s no surprise that trust between citizens and the police is often shaky at best.
Then there’s the issue of training or the lack of it. Combine that with reports of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, and it’s no surprise that law enforcement in many African countries struggles with a tarnished and fragile reputation.
On the brighter side, some African countries have been recognized for having commendable police services. According to the 2019 Global Police Index by Safer Space, a few nations stand out for their effective law enforcement efforts.
Below are the top 10 African countries with the best police services:
| Rank | Country (Best Police Services) |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Botswana |
|
2 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Benin |
|
4 |
Tunisia |
|
5 |
Senegal |
|
6 |
Sao Tome and Principe |
|
7 |
Seychelles |
|
8 |
Ghana |
|
9 |
Cape Verde |
|
10 |
Lesotho |
Notably, in an Afrobarometer report conducted between 2021 and 2023, only one in three Africans say their police usually operate professionally and respect citizens’ rights.
Among respondents who sought police assistance during the year in review, 54% said it was easy to get the help they needed, but 36% said they had to pay a bribe.
