Global insecurity has intensified across several regions due to war, terrorism, weak governments, political instability, and organised crime.
The 2025 Global Peace Index and conflict monitoring sources such as ACLED show that these ten countries stand out for extremely high conflict levels and chronic insecurity.
In many of them, violence is now part of daily civilian life.
Below is a breakdown of each.
1. Russia
Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine continues to shape its domestic and foreign policy. The country has become more militarised, with increased crackdowns on dissent. International sanctions have strained the economy, fuelling internal pressure.
Civil liberties have dropped sharply following new restrictive laws. The Global Peace Index ranks Russia as the least peaceful country in the world in 2025.
2. Ukraine
Ukraine remains a frontline battlefield, with destroyed cities and shattered infrastructure. Millions have been displaced to Europe and other regions for safety. Frontline communities continue to face drone strikes, missile attacks and artillery fire.
Economic recovery is impossible until the war stops. The human cost, from death, disability, trauma and family separation, remains staggering.
3. Sudan
Sudan descended into one of the world’s deadliest civil wars in April 2023. The conflict between the SAF and RSF has destroyed basic services and governance.
Aid agencies report famine risk, mass rape, and extreme humanitarian conditions. Millions of people have fled internally and across borders into neighbouring countries. The United Nations now classifies Sudan as one of the worst crises of this century.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
For over two decades, eastern DRC has hosted more than 100 armed groups. Conflict over minerals such as cobalt and gold fuels ongoing battles.
Some communities have never experienced a sustained period of peace. Kidnappings, sexual violence, ethnic killings and displacement remain common. Large peacekeeping operations have struggled to stabilise the region.
5. Yemen
Yemen’s war has shattered state institutions and left millions in severe hunger. A generation of children is growing up amidst airstrikes, disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Armed militias, foreign powers and tribal factions continue to fight for influence.
The collapsing health system means preventable diseases kill thousands. International monitors call Yemen one of the “most exhausted” conflict zones.
6. Afghanistan
The Taliban takeover halted open war but created a much harsher internal environment. Women and girls continue to lose basic rights such as education and employment.
Terror cells, including ISIS-K, still carry out attacks across the country. Economic collapse has driven more families into poverty and hunger. Afghanistan remains structurally unstable with very low human rights protection.
7. Syria
Multiple actors, including government forces, rebels and foreign militaries, still operate in Syria. Large regions remain lawless, with militant cells active in several provinces.
Millions of Syrians live in refugee camps across Türkiye, Lebanon and Jordan. The economy and health system remain practically broken. Land mines, unexploded weapons and blocked reconstruction slow recovery.
8. South Sudan
Despite peace agreements, ethnic militias continue fighting over land and resources. Deadly clashes repeatedly displace thousands of villagers.
Flooding and climate shocks worsen hunger and insecurity. Political power struggles remain unresolved between top leaders. Oil wealth has not translated to safety or improved living standards.
9. Israel
The war with Hamas in Gaza escalated dramatically in late 2023. Security fears have risen across Israel, causing stricter internal security checks.
Rocket attacks, hostage issues and military strikes continue to disrupt normal life. Tensions with neighbouring states and militant groups remain high. The conflict has deeply strained diplomatic relations in the Middle East.
10. Mali
Northern Mali remains a stronghold for jihadist and separatist fighters. Government institutions are weak and struggle to control land outside major cities.
The withdrawal of UN peacekeepers worsened the vacuum of authority. Villages continue to be attacked, forcing families to flee repeatedly. Road travel in many regions is considered extremely dangerous.
The global map of insecurity is shifting, but the burden is heaviest in Africa and the Middle East.
Until long-term peace negotiations and true governance reforms are prioritised, civilians in these ten countries will continue to shoulder the weight of conflict, instability and trauma.
