By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone has reached a significant milestone in global peace rankings, securing its position as the fifth most peaceful country in Africa and second in the West African subregion, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
The GPI report, which evaluates 163 independent states and territories worldwide based on levels of societal safety, security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation, marks Sierra Leone’s best performance to date. The country’s impressive showing reflects a decade-long commitment to reconciliation, democratic governance, and community-led peacebuilding initiatives.
The announcement has been met with widespread national pride, with government officials, civil society actors, and international partners hailing it as a validation of the country’s peace and development trajectory. The ranking also underscores the resilience of Sierra Leoneans in overcoming the country’s traumatic past, including a brutal civil war and the recent challenges of public health crises and economic hardship.
“This ranking is not just a number,” said Dr. Mariama Jalloh, a political analyst and peacebuilding expert. “It is a global acknowledgment of the collective efforts by our citizens, institutions, and government to prioritise peace, dialogue, and inclusive governance. It sends a strong signal that Sierra Leone is emerging as a model of post-conflict recovery and democratic stability.”
The report noted significant improvements in Sierra Leone’s political stability, reduced crime rates, community security structures, and successful efforts in disarmament and demobilisation. In particular, the peaceful conduct of recent elections, improved civic space, and ongoing interfaith and interethnic dialogue have been cited as drivers of national cohesion.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, reacting to the announcement during an official ceremony in Freetown, called the news “a proud moment for every Sierra Leonean.” He praised citizens for their patience, tolerance, and resilience in building a nation where peace is not only a goal but a way of life.
“Our country has suffered deeply in the past, but we have chosen a different path,” President Bio said. “Today’s recognition is a testament to what unity, forgiveness, and commitment to the rule of law can achieve. We are committed to preserving and deepening this peace for generations to come.”
The GPI ranking also places Sierra Leone ahead of many of its regional peers, positioning it as a potential leader in West Africa’s peace and security discourse. The country’s rising peace profile may open new doors for foreign investment, tourism, and greater regional diplomacy.
“This achievement can boost Sierra Leone’s credibility on the international stage,” said Susan Bangura, a regional affairs researcher. “It provides leverage in negotiations, expands diplomatic partnerships, and assures investors that the country is a stable and secure environment for business.”
At the community level, local peacebuilders and grassroots organisations have been widely credited for their role in sustaining the peace. Traditional leaders, women’s groups, and youth networks have worked tirelessly to mediate local disputes, promote civic education, and foster intergenerational dialogue.
The Institute for Economics and Peace highlighted Sierra Leone as one of the “top risers” in this year’s rankings, noting its significant gains compared to a decade ago. From once being a post-conflict recovery case, the country is now considered a benchmark for sustainable peace in sub-Saharan Africa.
As Sierra Leone looks ahead to the future, officials and citizens alike are being reminded that maintaining peace requires constant effort. National Peace Commission Chairman Ibrahim Kallon remarked, “Peace is not a destination—it is a continuous journey. This recognition should motivate us to double down on justice, equity, and development.”
With its latest GPI ranking, Sierra Leone stands not only as a success story of peacebuilding but also as a beacon of hope for other nations navigating the complex road from conflict to stability.
