Jamesty
These issues undermine public trust and hinder effective law enforcement. In 2025, several African nations continue to struggle with challenges within their police forces, including corruption, excessive use of force, and a lack of professionalism. The following is an overview of the ten African countries that have the most problematic police forces, based on various reports and surveys that have been conducted in recent years:
List Of Top 10 Worst Police Forces In Africa 2025
 1. Uganda
The Uganda Police Force (UPF), which is meant to uphold law and order, has long been the target of accusations of corruption, human rights violations, and inefficiency. Reports of police brutality, bribery, and political manipulation have damaged the country’s reputation as a law enforcement agency. This article delves deeply into the shortcomings of the Uganda Police Force, examining the causes of its inefficiency, its involvement in politics, its inability to protect citizens, and the pervasive corruption that has made it one of Africa’s worst police forces.
2. Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country that is abundant in natural resources, but it is also afflicted by instability, armed conflict, and poor governance. The Congolese National Police (PNC) stands out as one of the worst police forces in the world, despite the fact that it is one of the many organisations in the country that is battling with corruption and incompetence. The Parliamentary National Council (PNC) has been accused of pervasive corruption, breaches of human rights, and serving the interests of political elites rather than the people. This is in contrast to its role of protecting citizens and executing the law.
3. Nigeria
In the African continent, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is often considered to be among the most criticised law enforcement agency. Instead of ensuring public safety and maintaining justice, it has earned a reputation for being corrupt, abusing human rights, being inefficient, and being harsh. A significant number of Nigerians tend to perceive the police not as guardians but rather as dangers to their safety. A number of the most significant shortcomings of the Nigerian Police Force are discussed in this article. These shortcomings include widespread corruption, police brutality, political manipulation, inability to effectively combat crime, and public uncertainty.
4. Kenya
Many Kenyans fear the police more than they fear criminals, and cases of extrajudicial killings, bribery, and negligence have further eroded public trust in the Kenya Police Service (KPS). The Kenya Police Service (KPS) is one of the most criticised law enforcement agencies in Africa. Instead of maintaining law and order, the force has gained a reputation for corruption, excessive brutality, political manipulation, and inefficiency.
5. Mali
Mali is a country in West Africa with a lot of history and culture. However, it has had a lot of problems with security and government over the past ten years. The country has had to deal with terrorism, political instability, and economic hardship. At the same time, its law enforcement agencies, especially the police, have become symbols of corruption, brutality, and inefficiency. The Malian Police Force (Police Nationale du Mali) is supposed to keep the peace, but it has been accused of widespread human rights violations, extortion, political interference, and failing to fight crime. This article looks at the main problems facing Mali’s police force and how these problems affect the country’s safety and stability.
6. Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire has one of the biggest economies in West Africa. It has come a long way since the end of its two civil wars, in 2002 and 2007. But its police force is still crooked, violent, and not very good at what they do. The Police Nationale de Côte d’Ivoire (Ivorian National Police) is meant to keep people safe and follow the law, but it has become one of the least trusted groups in the country. Reports from Transparency International, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International show that there is a lot of corruption, too much police force, too much government interference, and not enough crime fighting.
7. Zambia
The Zambia Police Service (ZPS), which is the country’s main law enforcement agency, is one of the most criticised groups in Zambia. The police force is known for being corrupt, violent, politically biassed, and not doing its job well. Reports from Transparency International, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch show that the ZPS takes bribes, kills people without a trial, and fails to fight crime.
8. Rep of Congo
The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), a country in Central Africa that is rich in oil and other natural resources, has a lot of problems with corruption, political oppression, and violations of human rights. The Congolese police force is one of the most troublesome parts of the country. They are known for corruption, using too much force, meddling in politics, and not being able to do their job. People in Congo-Brazzaville often see the police as a way to oppress people instead of someone who is there to protect them and follow the law, even though that is their job. Reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Transparency International show that the force isn’t doing enough to fight crime, is brutal to citizens, and has close ties to the government in power.
9. Guinea
Guinea, a country in West Africa that is abundant in natural resources, has been struggling for a long time with matters of political instability, corruption, and breaches of human rights. It is widely believed that the country’s police force is corrupt, harsh, and politically influenced, making it one of the most infamous institutions in the country. Rather than protecting individuals and implementing the law in a fair manner, the police force in Guinea is frequently accused of engaging in activities such as extortion, violations of human rights, and political repression. In their respective reports, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Transparency International highlight the fact that the police force has been using excessive force, has been deeply involved in corruption, and has failed to effectively tackle rising crime rates.
10. Madagascar
The island nation of Madagascar, which is the fourth largest in the world, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and extensive cultural heritage. Nevertheless, the nation also faces challenges in the form of political instability, extensive poverty, and inadequate governance. The country’s police force is one of the most problematic institutions in the country since it has been plagued by corruption, violations of human rights, and inefficiency. The Malagasy police force is frequently accused of bribery, disproportionate use of force, political influence, and failure to address rising crime levels. This is in contrast to the Malagasy police force’s intended role of safeguarding public safety and justice. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Transparency International have all published reports that shed light on the widespread corruption, lack of professionalism, and abuses committed by the police force against citizens.
