Tanzania’s Road to Lasting Peace: Hard-Earned Insights from the World’s Most Dangerous Nations

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.