Military and Religious Leaders Emerge as Most Trusted Institutions in Africa

A recent Afrobarometer study reveals a worrying decline in trust towards African governments, with political institutions such as the presidency, parliament, and courts receiving less than 50% trust. In contrast, informal institutions like religious and traditional leaders, along with the military, enjoy stronger support. Conducted across 39 countries, the study shows that trust in most institutions has decreased since 2012, with the army (61%) and religious leaders (66%) standing out for their reliability. Despite this, the military’s trust stems from limited interactions, unlike the more scrutinized police. Experts suggest improving transparency, fairness, and public services to restore trust and strengthen governance across the continent.

The Conversation