Deterioration in Security & Safety, Participation, and Rights: insights from the 2024 SDG Index and Dashboard

The worsening situation in Security and Safety across Africa is increasingly evident, as shown by various indicators, including the SDG Index and Dashboard. SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, highlights significant challenges across the continent. The latest data shows that 20 countries are on a declining trend, while 22 countries are stagnating, indicating limited progress in improving safety, justice, and institutional resilience. Furthermore, trend data is unavailable for 10 countries, which reveals gaps in monitoring and reporting. In addition, 39 countries face major challenges in achieving the targets set under SDG 16.

The subcomponent on SDG16_security reveals that 21 countries face either major challenges or challenges. However, trend analysis is constrained by a lack of data, with 33 countries missing trend information, and of the remaining countries, 9 showed declining or stagnating trends. SDG16_corruption data shows 49 countries facing either major challenges (39) or challenges (10), with 27 countries showing a declining trend and 20 stagnating. Similarly, the subcomponent on SDG16_access to affordable justice indicates 34 countries with either major challenges (26) or challenges (8), and 16 countries without data. For trend analysis, 33 countries lacked data, with the remaining 9 showing a declining trend and 10 stagnating.

This deterioration underscores the need for urgent interventions to address growing insecurity, corruption, and governance challenges that threaten sustainable development. Without a concerted effort to strengthen institutions and improve security, the outlook for peace and stability remains uncertain, stalling broader progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Addressing these issues will be pivotal in shaping Africa's future development trajectory