In 2024, these conflicts resulted in over 3,000 deaths and displaced nearly 2 million people, according to UN estimates. Photo: Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
The Institute for Economics and Peace
has unveiled its list of the world’s most dangerous countries to visit in 2024,
ranking 163 independent states and territories based on their level of
peacefulness through the Global Peace Index (GPI).
This comprehensive report covers 99.7%
of the world’s population and reveals a stark reality: there are currently 56
active conflicts, the highest number since the end of the Second World War.
The report highlights that fewer
conflicts are being resolved, either militarily or through peace agreements,
exacerbating global instability.
Yemen remains one of the world’s most
hazardous nations with a 2024 GPI score of 3.397. The country has been engulfed
in a catastrophic civil conflict since 2015, causing immense suffering and
turmoil. Yemen is grappling with widespread famine, disease, and infrastructure
collapse amid a prolonged state of war.
What began as an internal conflict has
escalated due to the involvement of neighboring countries, each backing
different factions, prolonging and intensifying the destructive nature of the
conflict.
Sudan is widely regarded as one of the
world’s most dangerous countries, influenced by a variety of factors that
severely affect its safety and stability. Sudan’s instability stems primarily
from the ongoing conflict in Darfur, alongside unrest in South Kordofan and
Blue Nile districts.
In 2024, these conflicts resulted in over
3,000 deaths and displaced nearly 2 million people, according to UN estimates.
The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by frequent attacks on civilians by
government forces, opposition groups, and militias.
Additionally, the UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that about 14 million
people in Sudan need humanitarian aid.
South Sudan, with a 2024 GPI score of
3.224, continues to rank among the world’s most dangerous nations due to
ongoing civil conflict, ethnic violence, and political instability since
gaining independence in 2011.
Afghanistan remains one of the most
dangerous countries in the world, with a GPI score of 3.448. The country has
been experiencing ongoing violence for more than 40 years, making it a center
of international concern.
Decades of conflict have shaped
Afghanistan into one of the most perilous places. The Taliban’s seizure of
power in August 2021 has intensified instability, with heightened risks of
terrorism, kidnappings, and widespread violence.
Ukraine has experienced the most
significant decline in safety and stability, not only within its region but
globally as well. This notable deterioration can be primarily attributed to the
Russian invasion that began in February 2022.
By 2024, the conflict in Ukraine has
claimed over 150,000 lives, including soldiers and civilians. More than 8
million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries, with an additional 7
million internally displaced, causing widespread destruction of cities and
critical infrastructure like homes, schools, and hospitals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has
been enduring a conflict that has spanned more than four and a half years,
making it the deadliest documented conflict in African history according to the
International Rescue Committee. This prolonged turmoil has taken more lives
than any other conflict since World War II.
In 2024, Russia, with a GPI score of
3.249, ranks among the world’s most hazardous nations, exacerbated by
heightened geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Russia is grappling with internal challenges
including organized crime and corruption, which undermine law and order,
alongside escalating environmental concerns such as industrial accidents and
pollution, posing significant health risks to the population.
Syria’s civil war, which began in
2011, has resulted in a profoundly tragic and complex situation. The conflict
has ravaged infrastructure, including buildings, roads, hospitals, and schools,
severely impacting the daily lives of those remaining in Syria.
The humanitarian situation is dire,
with over 13 million Syrians, including 6.6 million internally displaced,
requiring humanitarian assistance according to the UN. More than half of the
population faces food insecurity, and the healthcare system is in disarray,
with many hospitals either destroyed or operating at minimal capacity.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas
has escalated regional risks for Western travelers and exacerbated
unrest-related dangers. Meanwhile, Mali has been in the grip of armed conflict
since January 2012, when Tuareg rebels seized control of northern territory and
subsequently declared the independent nation of Azawad by April of that year.
The situation escalated further with a military coup in March 2012,
intensifying the turmoil in the region.
These countries, marked by severe
conflicts, political instability, and humanitarian crises, highlight the
critical challenges to peace and safety worldwide. The 2024 Global Peace Index
underscores the urgent need for concerted international efforts to address
these pervasive issues and foster a more stable and secure global environment.
In a world increasingly marred by
conflicts and unresolved tensions, the need for robust and continuous
peacebuilding initiatives has never been more urgent. Historian graduate from
the University of Dar es Salaam, Mussa Lugete, emphasizes the importance of
learning from the turmoil faced by dangerous states. "Tanzania must
understand the fragility of peace and the rapidity with which stability can
disintegrate," he asserts.
Peaceful countries like Tanzania can
glean valuable lessons from conflict-ridden regions. For instance, the
importance of inclusive governance cannot be overstated. In nations where
political exclusion and marginalization have spurred unrest, Tanzania's commitment
to democratic processes and representation is a cornerstone of its stability.
As well, fostering economic
opportunities and reducing inequality can thwart the socioeconomic roots of
conflict. Observing the devastating impacts of economic disparity in other
states, Tanzania should bolster efforts to ensure equitable resource
distribution and access to opportunities for all its citizens.
Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the
first Executive Secretary of the International Conference of the Great Lakes
Region (ICGLR), underscores the significance of peace. Reflecting on her tenure
until 2011, she states, "Peace is not merely the absence of war but the
presence of justice and sustainable development. Tanzania's proactive stance in
regional diplomacy serves as a model for preemptive conflict resolution."
Dr. Philemon Sengati, an International
Relations Lecturer from the University of Dodoma, adds, "Tanzania’s role
in mediating regional disputes showcases the effectiveness of dialogue over
militaristic approaches. The diplomatic engagements led by Tanzania in the East
African Community highlight the power of collective security and regional
cooperation."
In a rapidly changing global
landscape, Tanzania’s vigilance and commitment to peace must remain steadfast.
By internalizing the lessons from conflict-ridden nations, Tanzania can
continue to be a beacon of stability and harmony in an otherwise turbulent
world.