The GPI, compiled annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), is the world's most comprehensive measure of global peacefulness. Now in its 19th edition, the 2025 report assessed 163 countries based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, grouped into three key domains: societal safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation. The index covers 99.7% of the world's population.
In East Africa, Tanzania leads the region, ranking 73rd globally and 12th in Sub-Saharan Africa, closely followed by Rwanda (91st globally). Uganda ranks 113th, placing it ahead of Kenya at 127th, while South Sudan (156th) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (160th) remain the least safe countries in the region.
At the continental level, Mauritius (26th globally) retained its position as the most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa. The DRC, South Sudan, and Sudan are among the least peaceful, reflecting the impact of prolonged instability and conflict.
Globally, Iceland remains the world's most peaceful country, a title it has held since the index began in 2008. It is followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland. At the bottom of the rankings are Russia (163rd), Sudan, DR Congo, Yemen, and Afghanistan, with ongoing wars and political turmoil continuing to drive insecurity in those nations.
Rwanda's security record
The GPI findings align closely with local sentiment. According to the 2024 Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Citizen Report Card, security and public tranquillity scored the highest among governance pillars, with a citizen satisfaction rate of 93.82%. This continues to reflect the country's investment in public safety, community policing, and post-genocide reconciliation efforts.
The 2025 GPI also sheds light on the economic cost of violence, which in 2024 was estimated at $19.97 trillion in purchasing-power parity (PPP), equivalent to 11.56% of global GDP, or $2,446 lost per person globally.
Military spending alone accounted for $9 trillion, representing 45% of the total economic impact of violence. In stark contrast, peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts received only $47.2 billion, amounting to just 0.52% of global military expenditure.
Out of the 163 countries assessed in the 2025 index, 94 recorded a deterioration in their peace levels. Meanwhile, 66 showed improvement, and only one country remained unchanged.
Since the index's inception in 2008, 17 out of the 23 indicators used to measure peace have worsened. The number of global conflicts has now reached its highest level since the Second World War, with 59 countries actively engaged in wars and 78 involved in cross-border conflicts.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-ranked-second-safest-country-in-east-africa
