West Africa’s Beacon of Peace: Sierra Leone Tops Peace Ranking in West Africa

 

By Teddy Foday-Musa

 

In a year marked by rising global tensions, economic uncertainties, and persistent insecurity across the West African region, Sierra Leone has quietly but significantly emerged as a regional model of peace and stability. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Sierra Leone now ranks 57th globally out of 163 countries, and impressively, 5th in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Notably, Sierra Leone has surpassed Ghana to become the most peaceful nation in West Africa. This advancement, leaping nine places from 66th in 2024, is not just statistical progress. It is a powerful affirmation of national transformation and a compelling story of a country that has risen from the ashes of civil war to become a beacon of hope for post-conflict recovery and peace consolidation.

 

This essay examines Sierra Leone’s transformation from a nation ravaged by civil war to one of the most peaceful countries in West Africa. It also interrogates the mechanisms required to consolidate these achievements and translate them into long-term socio-economic development.

From War-Torn to Peace-Built

Just over two decades ago, Sierra Leone was synonymous with civil strife, war crimes, and humanitarian catastrophe.

 

The scars of that conflict ran deep – physically, socially, and psychologically. Yet today, the country stands tall as one of the few post-war nations in Africa to have successfully transitioned from armed conflict to peaceful governance. This transformation did not occur overnight. It was shaped by the courage of citizens, the vision of policymakers, and the resilience of communities determined never to return to war. Through disarmament and reintegration, truth and reconciliation, and the painstaking reconstruction of institutions, Sierra Leone set the foundation for a peace that is now being recognised on the global stage.

 

Why This Ranking Matters

Global peace indices are more than just numbers – they are signals to the world. This ranking is a stamp of credibility on Sierra Leone’s peace infrastructure, sending a message to investors, diplomats, development partners, and citizens alike: Sierra Leone is safe, stable, and open for cooperation. At a time when coups, insurgencies, and democratic backsliding are dominating West African headlines, Sierra Leone’s rise serves as a strategic counter-narrative. It demonstrates that peace is possible and that with committed leadership, inclusive governance, and engaged civil society, fragile states can build sustainable peace.

 

 

What the Data Says

 

The Global Peace Index (GPI) evaluates countries based on 23 indicators drawn from both quantitative metrics (such as crime rates, deaths from conflict, and military spending) and qualitative assessments (such as political stability, perceptions of safety, and state relations with neighbours). The indicators fall under three domains: i) ongoing domestic and international conflict; ii) societal safety and security; and iii) militarisation. Sierra Leone scored well in areas such as low levels of internal conflict, limited militarisation, absence of political terror, and improved relations with neighbouring countries. The country’s role in regional diplomacy, adherence to constitutional rule, and improved public order contributed significantly to the upward shift.

Peace and the People’s Plate: Does the Ranking Put Bread on the Table?

A common and legitimate question from citizens is: How does this ranking affect my daily life? Does it put bread on the table? The answer lies in understanding that peace is a precondition for development. A peaceful environment attracts investment, enables businesses to grow, encourages tourism, and facilitates the flourishing of agriculture and trade – all of which create jobs and drive economic activity. It also allows governments and development partners to allocate resources to education, health, and infrastructure, rather than spending on conflict response or security. While the ranking itself may not directly feed families, it signals to the world that Sierra Leone is ready for economic opportunity. With the right policies, that opportunity can translate into livelihoods, income, and improved welfare for ordinary people.

 

 

Peace as a Living Process

While the current ranking is worth celebrating, peace is not a destination – it is a continuous process. The gains made must be guarded against complacency, especially in a region as volatile as West Africa. Sierra Leone still faces structural challenges such as youth unemployment, economic dependency, and political polarisation. These are not immediate threats to peace, but they are underlying factors that, if ignored, could erode the stability that has been achieved so far. It is therefore crucial to invest in peacebuilding as a long-term national development strategy. This means strengthening civic education, expanding access to justice, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and deepening decentralisation. It also requires political leaders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, and foster inclusive governance.

Lessons for the Region

 

Sierra Leone’s progress offers important lessons not only to West Africa but also to the entire continent and other post-conflict societies worldwide. First, it demonstrates that post-conflict states can succeed in building a durable peace without reverting to authoritarian rule or embracing excessive militarisation as a means of maintaining order.

 

Democratic governance, the rule of law, and civilian oversight of security institutions can coexist with stability when properly institutionalised. Second, the country’s experience underscores that transitional justice and community reconciliation are not merely symbolic gestures; instead, they are foundational to healing deep societal wounds, restoring broken social contracts, and preventing cycles of revenge and exclusion. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and community-level restorative practices played vital roles in reweaving the fabric of a fractured society.

 

Third, Sierra Leone reminds us that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of robust institutions, equitable access to economic opportunities, social justice, and freedoms that enable individuals and communities to live with dignity, agency, and hope for the future. Moreover, the country’s ongoing challenges – including youth unemployment, political polarisation, and regional disparities – illustrate that peacebuilding is a continuing process requiring sustained investment, inclusive governance, and civic engagement. In this regard, Sierra Leone’s journey reflects both the possibilities and complexities of post-war reconstruction in fragile settings.

 

A Moment of Pride, A Call to Action

 

Sierra Leone’s elevation as West Africa’s most peaceful country is a profound moment of national pride, shared by citizens both at home and across the diaspora. It is a hard-won victory, born from decades of resilience in the face of adversity, introspective national reflection, and committed institutional reform. This achievement reflects the courage of ordinary Sierra Leoneans, the contributions of civil society, the perseverance of democratic actors, and the impact of sustained international partnerships. However, this milestone must not be perceived as an endpoint, but rather as a renewed call to action: to safeguard these gains, address lingering structural inequalities, and close the social, economic, and political gaps that continue to threaten long-term stability. True peace is not static – it demands vigilance, inclusivity, and adaptation. The Global Peace Index ranking, while commendable, should be read not simply as an accolade, but as an invitation and a responsibility. It invites Sierra Leoneans, across all walks of life, to continue shaping a society rooted in the rule of law, equitable development, justice for all, and shared national identity. It calls for proactive efforts to empower youth, protect vulnerable communities, enhance accountability, and strengthen trust between the state and its citizens. Only through such deliberate and inclusive approaches can Sierra Leone ensure that its peace is not only sustained but also deepened and transmitted as a legacy across generations.

 

Conclusion

 

Sierra Leone’s recognition as the most peaceful nation in West Africa is a testament to the country’s remarkable progress since the dark days of war. But peace, though precious, is not self-sustaining. It must be nurtured through good governance, inclusive development, social justice, and accountable leadership.

 

This ranking should not be viewed merely as an end in itself, but as a foundation upon which real prosperity can be built, where peace translates into jobs, quality education, access to healthcare, and a food supply for every Sierra Leonean. The challenge ahead is to transform this peace dividend into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. Doing so will require a strong political will, civic responsibility, and a collective commitment to action. As a country, we must rise to the occasion – not only to protect the peace we have earned, but to make it meaningful for every household. Sierra Leone has shown the world that peace is possible. Now it must show that peace can also be productive, inclusive, and enduring.

 

About the Author

 

Teddy Foday-Musa is a Rotary Peace Fellow (RPF) and a lecturer in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He is the Coordinator for the Society for Peace Studies and Practice – Sierra Leone Branch (SPSP-SL). Teddy recently completed his PhD and is currently awaiting his thesis defence (viva voce). He can be reached at: teddyfodaymusa450@gmail.com.