South Sudan Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
South Sudan's rule of law was -2.19 in 2025, ranked 203rd globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 2011–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's rule of law stood at -2.19 in 2025, a decline of +0.05 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -2.19 by 2025. South Sudan ranked 203rd globally.
South Sudan’s rule of law score, as measured by the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, declined from -1.27 in 2011, its inaugural year of available data, to a record low of -2.19 in 2025, ranking it 203rd globally. This deterioration reflects persistent institutional fragility, weak legal enforcement, and protracted conflict since independence. The 2025 value is among the lowest worldwide, placing South Sudan just below Somalia (-2.15) and significantly behind Syria (-2.02), Myanmar (-1.94), and Yemen (-1.88), all of which face their own governance crises. Over the 14-year period, South Sudan has not recorded any meaningful improvement, with governance indicators trending downward amid political instability and limited state capacity. The all-time peak of -1.27 in 2011 now stands in stark contrast to the current trough, underscoring a reversal rather than progression in institutional strength. Without substantial reforms to judicial independence, security sector accountability, and civic participation, the rule of law is unlikely to strengthen in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -2.22 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -2.19 | - | - |
| 2025 | -2.19 | −0.05 | #203 |
| 2023 | -2.14 | −0.08 | #202 |
| 2022 | -2.06 | +0.02 | #201 |
| 2021 | -2.07 | −0.10 | #201 |
| 2020 | -1.97 | +0.04 | #201 |
| 2019 | -2.01 | −0.02 | #201 |
| 2018 | -1.99 | −0.02 | #201 |
| 2017 | -1.96 | +0.01 | #201 |
| 2016 | -1.98 | −0.08 | #201 |
| 2015 | -1.90 | −0.04 | #202 |
| 2014 | -1.85 | −0.32 | #200 |
| 2013 | -1.54 | −0.12 | #196 |
| 2012 | -1.42 | −0.14 | #194 |
| 2011 | -1.27 | – | #184 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's rule of law was -2.19 in 2025. Ranked 203rd globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's rule of law peaked at -1.27 in 2011.
The lowest rule of law in South Sudan was -2.19 in 2025.
South Sudan ranks 203rd globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
South Sudan's rule of law is projected to reach -2.19 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of South Sudan in 2025 was -2.19. This ranks 203rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_rule-of-law,
title = {South Sudan Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}