Youth leaders in Wulu County, Lakes State, have called on the government and humanitarian partners to expand employment opportunities and mental health support, warning that a rise in suicides among young people is linked to poverty, unemployment and social pressures.
The appeal follows two recent deaths reported by authorities and community members. A man identified as Apolo Kulo died by hanging in a bush area, while a 28-year-old man, identified as Keng Abala Keng, died by gunshot earlier this week.
James Achien, a youth representative in Wulu County, said young people were “deeply concerned” about what he described as repeated suicide cases affecting families and communities.
“We are appealing to humanitarian organisations, government institutions, civil society and partners to help address this growing crisis,” Achien told Radio Tamazuj. He cited unemployment, poverty, family disputes, drug abuse and limited access to mental health services as key contributing factors.
He said stigma around mental health was worsening the situation and urged coordinated action by religious leaders, traditional authorities, teachers, parents and the media to promote awareness and encourage people to seek help.
Achien also said informal records he compiled between 2017 and 2021 suggested at least 26 suicide cases at community level, and called for formal research and data collection to better understand the trend.
Wulu County acting Commissioner Abednego Degur Makuac said authorities had previously worked with partners to conduct awareness campaigns on suicide prevention.
He said the county had recorded two suicide cases this year after a period he described as largely free of incidents. “We are trying as government and partners to raise awareness about suicide and its causes,” he said.
Makuac said poverty and lack of communication within families were among the main drivers. He also cited relationship disputes, economic hardship and limited access to education as contributing factors.
Deputy Governor of Lakes State Isaac Luka Manga condemned the incidents, saying similar cases were also being reported in other parts of the state.
He said economic hardship and domestic conflict were key drivers and called for urgent intervention, including stronger community awareness and investigations into underlying causes.
“This needs quick intervention from partners working on related programmes,” he said, adding that perpetrators of domestic abuse should face legal accountability where applicable.
Suicide cases have been reported periodically in parts of South Sudan, with authorities and aid agencies warning of gaps in mental health services and limited economic opportunities, particularly for young people.
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