South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
A South Sudanese human rights activist and Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), Edmund Yakanihas warned that the deepening political crisis is exacerbating economic hardship, which is contributing to a troubling rise in suicide cases throughout the country.
In a statement seen by the Dawn Newspaper, Yakani appealed to the nation’s political leaders to address the ongoing instability through dialogue, in order to alleviate the economic pressures he believes are leading to an increase in suicides.
His warning follows a recent report from the South Sudan Police Service, which recorded nine suicide cases in the past week alone.
“These are only the reported cases,” Yakani stressed. “We know that many suicide cases go unreported, either because they are not brought to the police’s attention or simply remain unknown. Suicide cases are clearly on the rise.”
Yakani highlighted a particularly disturbing incident involving a South Sudanese instructor who took his own life due to extreme financial hardship.
“The latest tragic case involves an instructor who committed suicide simply because the dire economic situation left him unable to earn a living,” Yakani said. “His livelihood was severely threatened, and he felt that ending his life was preferable to continuing to struggle.”
The activist warned that such incidents are indicative of deeper political and economic crises in the country, driven by unresolved tensions among political leaders.
“This is a strong message to the leadership of the country at all levels,” Yakani stated. “It is also a message to politicians who cling to discontented positions, perpetuating political instability that has now translated into severe economic pressure. The result is rising levels of depression, stress, and trauma among the population.”
Yakani also expressed concerns about the potential for future acts of violence if growing mental health struggles remain unaddressed.
“Consider this: what happens if suicide ceases to be an individual act?” he asked. “What if people suffering from depression or trauma begin targeting others to express their pain? This would be deeply problematic.”
He emphasised the urgency of leadership action to reverse the deteriorating situation.
“We need quick and effective decisions from our leaders to improve the economic environment,” Yakani urged. “The only way forward is through dialogue. Political leaders, both in government and opposition, including those with grievances, must come together to resolve the crisis.”
According to the South Sudan Police’s weekly report, there have been recorded suicide cases in South Sudan.
