Sierra Leone Makes Significant Drop in 2024 Global Peace Index
Sierra Leone has experienced a significant drop in the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI), plummeting 19 places from 47th in 2023 to 66th out of 163 countries. The GPI, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranks nations based on their levels of peace and stability using 23 different indicators, including political instability, terrorist activity, deaths from conflict, and military expenditure. This year, Sierra Leone scored 1.993, reflecting a stark decline in its peacefulness.
Several factors have contributed to this drop. Political instability and violence surged following the contentious June 2023 presidential election. The main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), disputed the election results, alleging rigging and subsequently boycotted parliament. This dispute cast a shadow over President Julius Maada Bio’s legitimacy and fueled tensions nationwide.
In November 2023, these tensions escalated dramatically when gunmen attacked a military barracks and prison in Freetown, the capital. This incident stoked fears of a return to the nation’s turbulent past of civil war, further destabilizing the political landscape.
The economic situation in Sierra Leone also deteriorated throughout 2023, exacerbating food insecurity and compounding the nation’s challenges. The World Food Programme highlighted this precarious situation, emphasizing the strain on the country’s resources.
In contrast, Iceland maintained its position as the most peaceful country for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore. Yemen replaced Afghanistan as the least peaceful country, followed by Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
The 2024 GPI report noted the largest deterioration in global peacefulness since its inception in 2008, driven primarily by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Overall, 97 countries experienced decreased peacefulness, signalling a troubling global trend.
Sierra Leone’s significant fall in the Global Peace Index underscores the urgent need for political stability, economic recovery, and effective governance to restore peace and security in the country.
