Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2024

In 2023, South Africa had the highest crime index among African countries, with a score of 75.5 index points. Somalia was the second most dangerous country on the continent, with 66.7 points. South Sudan is currently ranked as the most dangerous country in Africa, with the highest crime rate on the continent.

In this article, we are going to learn about the Top 10 Most Dangerous countries in Africa in 2024.

List of Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2024

The Global Peace Index (GPI) released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) measures global peacefulness. The GPI ranks 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness. The GPI scores range from 1-5, with higher scores indicating less peace and greater danger. It uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from respected sources to measure peace across three domains: Societal safety and security, Ongoing Conflict, and Militarization.

According to the 2023 GPI, the list of the top 10 most dangerous countries in Africa in 2024 is given below.

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

Let’s learn about each of them in detail.

10. Nigeria

According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Nigeria ranks 144 out of 163 countries in terms of safety. Nigeria is currently considered one of the 10 most dangerous African countries due to factors like violent crime, maritime crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 travel advisory for Nigeria, indicating an increased risk related to crime and safety within the country.
• Terrorists are still planning and executing out assaults. They target malls, markets, hotels, houses of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, public buildings, transit hubs, and other locations where large groups gather.
• The most dangerous areas in Nigeria include: Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states Borno, Kogi, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states Coastal areas like Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Rivers.

9. Burkina Faso

According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Burkina Faso ranks 146 out of 163 countries in the world with a composite GPI score of 2.78, showing that it’s a dangerous place to visit with a high risk level.

• According to the UK government, the Foreign Civil Defence Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Burkina Faso, except to the capital, Ouagadougou. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping, and the unstable political situation in the country.
• The main threat is from Al-Qaida affiliated and other regional Islamist groups. Terrorists may conduct attacks anywhere with little or no warning.
• The threat of kidnapping remains in Burkina Faso’s northern region, due to the proximity of Mali and Niger, where criminal and terrorist groups are active.
• The most dangerous areas in Burkina Faso where attacks and kidnapping occur include: The entire Sahel and East regions, Kossi and Sourou provinces, Kenegougou province, Loroum province, Koulpelogo province.

8. Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to its political instability, ethnic divisions, and armed conflicts. It ranked 151st on the Global Peace Index, with a composite GPI score of 2.80.

• Ethiopia is currently involved in multiple armed conflicts. These conflicts involve several armed groups fighting against government forces and/or against each other’s. Ethiopia’s various ethnic armed organizations (EAO) have substantial control over regional governments.
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 travel advisory for Ethiopia.
• Conflict, terrorism and kidnapping at the borders, civil unrest, and increased levels of violent crime makes the country unsafe for travel.
• The most dangerous areas in Ethiopia include: Borders with Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, and Eritrea, Tigray region, Amhara-Tigray and Afar-Tigray borders, and Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz regions.

7. Mali

Mali ranks 150 out of 163 countries in the world with a GPI composite score of 2.91. According to Global Guardian, Mali is an extreme risk country. 

• In 2021, the US State Department reported that terrorist groups in Mali include ISIS-GS and JNIM. In addition, terrorist groups have kidnapped and killed civilians, including humanitarian workers, and military and peacekeeping forces.
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for Mali.
• Currently in Mali, violent crime, including homicide, terrorism, and kidnapping are the main safety risks.
• The most dangerous areas of Mali include: The capital Bamako, Suburbs of Bamako, Southern region, and Border areas.

6. Libya

Libya ranks 151 out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index with a composite GPI score of 2.93. The US State Department advises against travel to Libya due to its high crime rate, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

• The areas of Libya that border with Algeria, Niger, Chad, and Sudan are especially dangerous. Bandits and armed tribal 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.
• Libya has persistent insecurity, including
  • Violent clashes between armed groups in northwest Libya
  • Violent incidents in the south of Libya
  • A high risk of terrorist attacks
  • An unpredictable political situation
• The most dangerous areas in Libya include: The entire country, including the capital Tripoli, Surman, Al-Jufra, and Sabha.

5. Sudan

Sudan ranks 154 out of 163 countries with a composite GPI score of 3.00. The country has been dealing with civil conflict since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. South Sudan is also dealing with ethnic and political conflicts, famine, and a humanitarian crisis.

• Over 42% of the country’s population has been displaced due to violence.
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for Sudan as internal conflict intensifies.
• Due to the unsafe conditions, the current travel warning advises “Do not travel” to the Sudan.
• The most dangerous areas of the country: the entire country, including the capital Khartoum, Border regions, especially near Chad and South Sudan, Blue Nile region, and South Kordofan region.

4. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic ranks 155 out of 163 countries with a GPI composite score of 3.02. The Central African Republic (CAR) is an unstable country that poses serious risks for travelers. 

• The CAR has a dangerous security situation, and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime are high. Other issues that pose a risk to travelers include:
  • Ongoing armed conflict between the government and rebel forces
  • High levels of violent crime
  • A deeply sub-standard healthcare system
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for Central African Republic.
• The most dangerous areas of the country include: The entire country, including the capital Bangui, Airports, land borders, and roads during civil unrest, and Areas controlled by armed groups.

3. Somalia

Somalia ranks 156 out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index with a composite GPI score of 3.13. Somalia has high child and maternal mortality rates, severe malnutrition rates, and frequent outbreaks of disease. The country’s health system also faces critical shortages, and only 1/3 of health facilities are functional.

• Somalia is a primary source country for human smuggling, with many people being smuggled across East Africa to Libya and then on to Europe. 
• Violent crime and terrorist acts are among the biggest problems in Somalia.
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for Somalia due to crime, terrorism, piracy, civil unrest, and health risks in the country.
• Somalia is also known for piracy, such as hijacking merchant ships and crimes such as smuggling at sea between countries.
• The most dangerous areas include: The entire country, including Puntland and Somaliland, Buildings like airports, seaports, and government offices, and International waters off the coast due to piracy.

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks 158 out of 163 with a composite score of 3.17. The country has many areas of widespread poverty, social exclusion, and health risks. In rural areas, there is high risk of being robbed or attacked.

• Violence and homicide, terrorism, human rights abuses, kidnapping, and internal armed conflict make the DRC unsafe for travelers.
• In 2018 and 2019, Congo reported the highest levels of sexual violence in the world.
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 travel advisory for the country, indicating an increased risk related to crime and safety within the country.
• The most dangerous areas in the DRC include: Ituri, North Kivu, and Eastern region and Kasai provinces.

1. South Sudan

South Sudan ranks 159 out of 163 on the Global Peace Index with a composite score of 3.18. South Sudan is also ranked as the least-peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• According to the European Commission, South Sudan is one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers. In 2023, 34 humanitarian workers were killed in the country.
• The country faces many challenges, including: Political instability, Humanitarian crises, Internal conflict, Economic woes, Drought, Massive displacement, Raging violence, Dire food shortages.
• The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan due to common violent crime, including: Carjackings, Robberies, Kidnappings, Other shootings, Sexual assault and rape.
• The most dangerous areas in South Sudan include: The entire country, including the capital Juba, Border areas, and Public gatherings and demonstrations.

FAQs on Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2024

Which country has highest crime rate in Africa?

South Africa had the highest crime index in Africa in 2023, with a score of 75.5. The crime index is based on survey replies on perceptions of crime, safety levels, concerns regarding specific crimes, property, and violent crimes.

Which African country has the highest kidnapping rate?

As of 2023, South Africa has the highest kidnapping rate in Africa, with 9.57 kidnappings per 100,000 people. Benin has the second highest rate.

Which country in Africa has the lowest crime rate?

Mauritius is considered the safest country in Africa, according to the Global Peace Index. It has a Global Peace Index of 1.55, which is similar to the safety levels of Norway and Australia. 

Which countries are more dangerous in Africa?

The 10 most dangerous countries in Africa are South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mali, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.

What are the top 3 most dangerous countries?

The 3 most dangerous countries in Africa are South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia.

What should I avoid in Africa?

When considering travel to Africa, it is advisable to avoid the most dangerous countries, approaching wildlife, drinking tap water, ostentatious displays of wealth, and traveling alone.