Rwanda Leads Regional Field in Global Rule of Law Assessment

Rwanda has topped Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2026 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, placing 40th among 143 countries and jurisdictions with a score of 0.64.

The country’s overall score increased by less than one per cent compared with the previous year, according to the index.

The WJP assesses the rule of law across eight areas: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice. Scores range from zero to one, with higher values indicating stronger adherence to the rule of law.

The assessment draws on household surveys and questionnaires completed by legal practitioners and other experts. The 2026 edition covers countries and jurisdictions representing approximately 95 per cent of the world’s population.

Denmark ranked first globally, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden and Luxembourg.

The WJP reported that overall rule of law scores declined in 62 per cent of countries and jurisdictions assessed, while 38 per cent recorded improvements.

The report also highlighted setbacks in civic freedoms. Freedom of assembly and association declined in 67 per cent of countries assessed, while freedom of opinion and expression weakened in 64 per cent.

The annual index provides a comparative assessment of how countries uphold the rule of law, including government accountability, protection of fundamental rights and access to justice.

By Elisa UWINEZA