The latest World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2025 shows that Sierra Leone is one of the few countries in the world improving its rule of law performance — even as the majority of nations continue to decline.
According to the WJP, 68% of countries recorded a drop in their rule of law scores this year — marking the eighth consecutive year of global decline.
But Sierra Leone moved up, improving its score by 1.4% (from 0.43 to 0.44) and rising to 109th out of 143 countries.
Across Africa, 28 of 38 countries fell, yet Sierra Leone was one of only eight that improved — joining Senegal and Gabon in posting gains.
Regionally, Sierra Leone is now 20th in Africa, ahead of Guinea and Nigeria, and on par with Liberia. It also remains among the top seven low-income countries globally for rule of law performance.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay Esq. welcomed the results, saying:
“This progress reflects our government’s steady investment in justice reform, anti-corruption enforcement, and access to justice. We are building a legal system that protects rights, upholds accountability, and serves the people.”
Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah added that the report underscores Sierra Leone’s growing democratic maturity:
“At a time when nearly seven in ten countries are slipping, Sierra Leone is improving. That is not luck — it’s the outcome of consistent reforms and political will.”
The World Justice Project measures how people experience justice, accountability, and security in their daily lives. Sierra Leone’s latest results signal renewed confidence in institutions and the rule of law.
In summary:
- Global trend: 68% of countries declined
- Sierra Leone: +1.4% improvement
- Global rank: 109 of 143
- Africa rank: 20 of 38
- One of 8 African countries that improved
- Ahead of Nigeria & Guinea, tied with Liberia
Sierra Leone is moving forward — while much of the world is moving backward.