Rwanda’s rise to become the safest country in Africa, as revealed by the 2025 Numbeo Global Safety Index, is not only the fruit of strong institutions and visionary leadership, but also a testament to the hand of God over the nation.
With a safety score of 73.6 and ranked 23rd globally, Rwanda’s stability is, above all, evidence of divine favor.
According to Numbeo’s Mid-Year Crime Index 2025, Rwanda has been ranked as the safest country in Africa and 23rd safest in the world, with a Safety Index score of 73.6. This ranking puts Rwanda ahead of all other African countries in terms of perceived safety and low crime rates.
What the Numbeo Report Measures
Numbeo is the world’s largest user-contributed database providing statistics on cities and countries, including quality of life, cost of living, and safety. The Crime Index and Safety Index are based on surveys from residents and recent visitors. The report assesses factors such as:
• How safe people feel walking alone at night
• The frequency of crimes like theft, assault, and vandalism
• The level of corruption and trust in law enforcement
• General public perception of security in daily life
A higher Safety Index (and a lower Crime Index) reflects a more secure and peaceful society.
How Rwanda Compares to Other African Countries
Rwanda’s Safety Index of 73.6 is significantly higher than that of other African countries included in the study. The nations that followed Rwanda in the continental ranking include Tunisia, Zambia, Sudan, and Ghana, all scoring in the mid-50s. This underscores Rwanda’s exceptional performance in ensuring public safety and security.
Why Safety Matters
The report highlights that safer countries tend to attract more investors, both foreign and local. Safety also supports economic growth, strengthens public confidence in institutions, encourages tourism, and allows citizens, especially women, children, and vulnerable groups, to live and move freely without fear.
In Rwanda’s case, its success is attributed to effective governance, professional security services, low levels of corruption, and active community participation in maintaining peace.
Rwanda, A Nation Under God’s Guidance
The belief that “It is God who leads Rwanda” is not merely a slogan, it is a reality embraced by the people and echoed in the tone and posture of their leadership. Many Rwandans attribute the country’s peace and progress to God’s mercy and direction, especially considering its painful history.
President Paul Kagame’s Open Acknowledgment of God
President Paul Kagame has repeatedly spoken about the importance of values, faith, and responsibility. While he does not often use religious language in official speeches, there are notable moments where he has honored the place of God in Rwanda’s journey:
• During the National Prayer Breakfasts, Kagame has emphasized that “it is God who gives wisdom and strength to build a nation.”
• At national memorial events, he has called on reconciliation, humility, and faith as pillars for rebuilding Rwanda.
• Kagame often thanks faith leaders for their role in social healing and nation building.
His leadership reflects moral conviction, forgiveness, and justice, principles deeply rooted in Christian values, even if expressed in secular governance language.
Biblical Foundations of Peace and Security
Here are several verses that affirm that true peace and security come from God:
1. Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
2. Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
4. Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
5. Proverbs 21:31
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”
A Country Shaped by Faith and Vision
While laws, policies, and enforcement matter, Rwanda’s story is unique because it reflects both good governance and divine grace. Many see the nation’s peace as a gift from God, carefully guarded by leadership that honors integrity, unity, and reconciliation.
Rwanda’s peace is not an accident, it is God’s work through the hands of faithful leaders and resilient people