Top 20 Least Democratic Countries in Africa (2024)

The Democracy Index, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, evaluates the state of democracy worldwide by assessing governance, civil liberties, political participation, and electoral processes. Unfortunately, several African nations rank among the least democratic, reflecting widespread authoritarianism, poor governance, and limited political freedoms. Below is an analysis of the 20 least democratic countries in Africa in 2024.

Top 20 Least Democratic Countries in Africa (2024)

These are the 20 least democratic countries in Africa for 2024, as ranked by the Democracy Index published by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

1. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) has struggled with prolonged instability and violent conflict. The country has witnessed multiple coups, including one in 2013 that brought a rebel group to power. Although there was hope for democratic transition, armed groups and coups have hindered the restoration of political stability and democratic processes.

2. Chad

Chad has been under authoritarian rule for decades, first under President Hissène Habré and later under President Idriss Déby, who ruled the country until his death in 2021. Déby’s death led to a military coup, with his son taking control. This transition has further entrenched military rule, undermining hopes for democratic reforms.

3. Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has faced persistent instability, with multiple coups and armed conflicts. The 1997 overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko marked a significant change, but subsequent governments, including that of Joseph Kabila, were unable to establish democratic governance. The country remains plagued by internal conflict, with militia groups and foreign interventions further destabilizing the region.

4. Sudan

Sudan remains one of Africa’s least democratic countries, plagued by political instability and ongoing conflict. The 2021 military coup disrupted the country’s fragile transition to democracy, and the subsequent fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023 has further destabilized the nation. The conflict has left the country divided, with collapsed infrastructure, widespread food insecurity, and a health crisis, as most hospitals are non-functional.

5. Libya

Libya’s transition to democracy, following NATO’s intervention to oust Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has been hindered by military coups and armed factions fighting for control. The country remains fractured, with rival governments and militias vying for power, and no central authority able to ensure security or hold fair elections. Military groups dominate large sections of the country, and political violence is widespread, making the establishment of stable democratic institutions difficult. Despite this, Libya is currently ranked as Africa’s third-fastest growing economy.

6. Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea remains one of Africa’s most repressive regimes, with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema holding power since 1979, making him one of the oldest president in Africa. While the country has not experienced a recent military coup, the regime’s longevity is marked by systematic suppression of opposition, limited civil liberties, and widespread corruption.

7. Eritrea

With President Isaias Afwerki holding power since the country’s independence in 1993. Eritrea has never held elections, and the government tightly controls all political expression.

8. Burundi

Burundi’s democracy has faced significant setbacks, especially following the 2015 political crisis when President Pierre Nkurunziza controversially ran for a third term. This led to violent protests, repression of the opposition, and the mass exodus of refugees.

9. Gabon

Gabon has been ruled by the Bongo family for over five decades, with President Ali Bongo taking over after his father’s death in 2009. Although elections are held, they are often criticized for being neither free nor fair, with the opposition frequently harassed.

10. Guinea

Guinea has faced several political upheavals, including a military coup in 2021 that ousted President Alpha Condé. The coup was justified by the military as a response to Condé’s attempt to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits. Since the coup, Guinea has been under military rule, with the junta pledging to restore democracy, though no clear path to civilian rule has emerged.

11. Niger

Niger has faced multiple military coups since its independence, and while elections have been held, they are often tainted by fraud and manipulation. The most recent coup occurred in 2023, when the military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. However, in an unexpected turn, Niger is currently ranked as the fastest-growing economy in Africa, with a Real GDP growth rate averaging 0.4%. This growth is driven by strong performance in the primary and tertiary sectors, fueled by investments in infrastructure, extractive industries, and services, along with ongoing structural reforms. This progression challenges the conventional belief that democracy is essential for economic success.

12. Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau has experienced frequent coups, with a military coup in 2012 and another in 2022. These coups have significantly weakened the country’s democratic institutions and led to widespread political instability.

13. Cameroon

Cameroon has been under the rule of President Paul Biya since 1982, making it one of the longest-serving regimes in Africa. While Cameroon has not experienced a military coup in recent years, the government has used its military to suppress opposition and control dissent.

14. Djibouti

Djibouti’s political system is controlled by a single-party regime under President Ismail Omar Guelleh. While the country has not experienced a military coup, political power is tightly held by the president and his family. Opposition parties are marginalized, and political freedoms are heavily restricted.

15. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has seen a surge in military coups in recent years, with two coups occurring in 2022 and 2023. These coups were driven by dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of Islamist insurgencies and security challenges. The military-led government has promised a return to civilian rule, but the country remains in a state of political instability, with the military playing a central role in governance. Despite being under military control, Burkina Faso is currently ranked as 12th fastest growing economy in Africa.

16. Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is an absolute monarchy under King Mswati III. The king holds full executive and legislative power, with no political opposition allowed. Protests against the monarchy are met with violent repression, and the lack of political freedoms and free elections renders the country’s political system undemocratic.

17. Congo (Brazzaville)

Congo-Brazzaville, under the rule of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, has been a one-party state for decades. The country’s political system is marked by the suppression of opposition, rigged elections, and widespread corruption.

18. Egypt

Egypt’s transition to democracy after the 2011 revolution has been stunted by the military’s return to power under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The military-led government has cracked down on political opposition, suppressed free speech, and peaceful protesters.

19. Togo

Togo remains an authoritarian state under the control of the Gnassingbé family, which has ruled the country for over five decades. The political system is largely undemocratic, with opposition parties silenced and political freedoms severely restricted.

20. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, once a beacon of hope in Africa, has struggled with authoritarian rule under Robert Mugabe and his successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa. The country’s electoral processes are marred by enormous fraud and manipulation, and opposition leaders often face suppression.

Top 20 Least Democratic Countries in Africa (2024)

Last Updated: November 2024.