Local authorities in Wulu County have reported a disturbing increase in suicide cases, attributing this rise to factors like forced marriages, abandonment of women and children, and poverty.
Speaking with Catholic Radio Network, Joyce Mbolo Agac, the executive chief of the Payam Court, emphasized that abandonment by men, lack of support, and forced marriages are major drivers of suicide in the area.
“For women and young girls, the primary reasons for suicide stem from men abandoning them and their children, lack of basic care, and being forced into unwanted marriages.
Many young girls, feeling trapped, say they have no means to continue their education or control over marriage choices, leading them to despair,” she explained.
Agac noted that the court’s role includes counseling those involved in such practices to prevent further tragedies, rather than solely relying on police intervention.
“We counsel suicide survivors in custody, telling them that poverty is widespread. We encourage husbands to take full responsibility for their wives’ welfare—providing care, food, and respect.”
Abednego Digur Makuac, the Executive Director of Wulu County, highlighted that suicide has become a severe, often uncontrollable issue within the county.
“This is a pressing problem that remains largely unaddressed by the governments of Lakes State and South Sudan. We’re shocked to see up to four suicide cases in a single week,” he remarked, adding that a lack of communication and problem-sharing within communities further escalates the issue.
