In any occupation, there is a need for professionalism, and when it comes to the police, it is even more crucial. Security agencies like the police are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the principles of justice.
Given the nature of their work, which frequently involves the use of force to combat crime and maintain order, police officers can easily lose sight of professionalism, a quality that shapes interactions between officers and the communities they serve. It requires caution and care to prevent them from infringing on citizens’ rights and ensuring that citizens can access security seamlessly and effortlessly.
An Afrobarometer report conducted between 2021 and 2023 revealed that only one in three Africans say their police usually operate in a professional manner and respect citizens’ rights.
The survey covering 39 African countries sheds light on the challenges many Africans face when seeking the protection that law enforcement agencies are supposed to offer.
Among respondents who sought police assistance during the year in review, 54% said it was easy to get the help they needed, but 36% said they had to pay a bribe.
According to the report, Burkina Faso (68%), Morocco (64%), and Benin (61%) score highest on the professionalism dimension while achieving moderate (Burkina Faso and Morocco) to high (Benin) scores on the corruption measure (i.e. moderate to low levels of corruption).
In contrast, Sudan (30%), Sierra Leone (30%), Gabon (29%), and Congo-Brazzaville (28%) score worst on professionalism while also showing moderate to poor scores in terms of corruption and police brutality.
Below are the 10 African countries with the highest level of police professionalism:
| 1 | Burkina Faso | 68% |
| 2 | Morocco | 64% |
| 3 | Benin | 61% |
| 4 | Mauritius | 59% |
| 5 | Niger | 58% |
| 6 | Senegal | 56% |
| 7 | Mauritania | 54% |
| 8 | Mali | 53% |
| 9 | Tanzania | 53% |
| 10 | Botswana | 49% |
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