Rwanda has emerged as the safest country in Sub-Saharan Africa for walking alone at night, according to the Gallup Global Law and Order Report 2025. With a safety score of 78%, Rwanda outperformed global heavyweights like the United Kingdom (76%) and France (73%), and ranked 38th worldwide. The United States, by comparison, came in at 61st place with a score of 71%.
The report, based on surveys conducted in 144 countries, asked adults whether they feel safe walking alone at night in their communities. In Rwanda, 78% of respondents said they do an impressive figure that reflects the country’s sustained investment in public safety and community trust. Regionally, Rwanda outshines its neighbors: Tanzania (68%), Uganda (48%), Kenya and DRC (47%), while Burundi was not included in the survey.
Rwanda’s strong performance aligns with findings from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), which reported in November 2024 that public trust in security institutions remains exceptionally high. The Rwanda National Police enjoys a trust level of 97.1%, while the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) leads with 99.0%. These figures reinforce Rwanda’s consistent top-tier ranking in the Rule of Law Index, where it has remained Africa’s leader since 2021.
Globally, Singapore topped the safety index with a near-perfect score of 98%, followed by Tajikistan (95%), China (94%), and Saudi Arabia (93%). Rwanda’s continued rise in global safety rankings not only reflects its domestic stability but also strengthens its reputation as a secure destination for investment, tourism, and regional diplomacy.
