Benin ranks 94th in 2026 rule of law index
The country's overall score improved slightly, with gains in civil justice but a decline in freedoms.
Benin placed 94th out of 143 countries in the World Justice Project's 2026 Rule of Law Index, released on October 21. The nation's overall score reached 0.47 out of 1, a less than 1% increase from the previous year. Benin ranked 10th among 34 sub-Saharan African nations evaluated.
The country achieved its highest global rank of 79th for constraints on government powers, fundamental rights, and criminal justice. Benin was ranked 89th for regulatory enforcement, 91st for order and security, and 92nd for absence of corruption. However, civil justice and open government were its least favorable areas, at 108th and 115th globally.
The WJP report noted improvements in access to and affordability of civil justice, alongside a lack of discrimination in this area. Conversely, freedom of opinion, expression, assembly, and association declined. These results contrast with the regional trend where 23 of 34 evaluated countries saw their scores decrease over the past year.
Why it mattersBenin's ranking in the rule of law index affects its citizens' access to justice and their freedoms.