A country’s capacity to sustain security, stability, and efficient government depends critically on the number and quality of its active personnel, especially in the military and public service. Maintaining a big enough active force can be difficult and have detrimental effects that can spread deep. While some African countries don’t have to deal with this issue, others are plagued by it.
A small active military force increases a country’s vulnerability to foreign attacks. African countries with little defense personnel may struggle to safeguard their borders and respond effectively to invasions or aggressive activities by neighboring governments or non-state organizations.
In addition to external dangers, internal security is essential. Countries with a small number of active military personnel may struggle to confront internal insurgency, organized crime, and terrorism. This can exacerbate instability and erode public trust in the government’s capacity to maintain law and order.
Ironically, whereas small active personnel forces suggest understaffing, large unemployment rates frequently exist in the same scenario.
This mismatch can spark social unrest because jobless young, in particular, may feel dissatisfied with the lack of options. Social unrest exacerbates instability, resulting in a cycle of insecurity and economic stagnation.
Additionally, African countries frequently contribute to regional and international peacekeeping efforts. Countries with limited active personnel forces may be unable to meet their obligations to these missions, compromising regional security and stability efforts.
With that said here are the 10 African countries with the lowest number of battle-ready soldiers according to Global Fire Power. This ranking is based on the number of active personnel per area.
| Rank | Country | Active personnel |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Liberia | 1,500 |
| 2. | Benin | 4,750 |
| 3. | Gabon | 4,800 |
| 4. | Republic of Congo | 8,500 |
| 5. | Central Africa Republic | 10,000 |
| 6. | Mozambique | 11,200 |
| 7. | Burkina Faso | 12,000 |
| 8. | Sierra Leone | 13,000 |
| 9. | Namibia | 13,000 |
| 10. | Madagascar | 13,500 |
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