Youth urged to be opens as Suicide Cases Raise Alarm Among South Sudanese
By Kidega Livingstone
As South Sudan joins the global community in commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day, rising cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among the nation’s youth have sparked growing concern among local experts.
The Ministry of Health’s Behavioral Change Expert, Daniel Juma, called on young people to speak openly about their struggles with trusted individuals and professionals. He emphasized,
“Being open about your issues can ease the burden and lessen the emotional weight.”
Juma also questioned the legal and moral grounds of criminalizing suicide in South Sudan, stating,
“Maybe on legal grounds, the law says the person who commits suicide has committed a crime—but a crime against whom?”
Adding to the call for systemic change, Youth Counselor Nancy Poni urged institutions to make professional counseling services more accessible, especially in religious communities where stigma remains high. Poni stressed that suicidal ideation can affect anyone, including those who attend church, and “access to counselling should be for everyone.”
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) notes that suicide in South Sudan disproportionately affects internally displaced persons (IDPs), compounding stresses from poverty, idleness, conflict, confinement, and gender-based violence.
Alarmingly, last month in Juba, authorities reported 12 cases of suicide within a single week, though details remain limited. Dr. Atong Ayuel Longar, one of South Sudan’s few psychiatrists and head of the mental health department at the health ministry, highlighted that a pervasive sense of uncertainty—driven by the ever-present threat of war—deeply affects South Sudanese mental well-being.
At a rare mental health clinic in Mundri, Western Equatoria, a mother of five, Joy Falatiya, shared how psychosocial therapy helped her overcome suicidal thoughts—and rediscover hope—despite ongoing hardship.However, such clinics are scarce, often dependent on uncertain funding, and at risk of closure.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is observed under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, a call to combat stigma, foster open dialogue, and prioritize effective mental health policies worldwide
