Drug Abuse Blamed for Spike in Suicides in Juba

(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State government has voiced deep concern over a sudden rise in suicide cases among young people in the capital, Juba. The matter was brought to the attention of the State Security Committee during its weekly meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel at the State Secretariat.

Speaking after the meeting, the State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Hon. Leon Abe Brown, said that eleven cases of suicide had been recorded in the previous week alone. Most of the incidents, he explained, were linked to substance abuse among young people.

The minister warned that the growing influence of drugs and narcotics on the youth poses a significant threat to both families and the wider community. He said the committee was studying measures to address the issue, with greater emphasis on preventive action and community involvement.

The Security Committee also discussed land disputes in Juba, where incidents of illegal land occupation remain common. Hon. Abe urged residents to obtain land ownership documents only through official government institutions such as the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities or through Juba County authorities.

“We continue to encourage people to use legal channels to secure land documents in order to avoid unnecessary disputes.”

According to the minister, the government has suspended road demarcation in Lokwilili to allow authorities and communities to resolve disagreements in the area. In addition, residents of Illakare, Kuda Lo’Dimi, Nyua and Tijor have been instructed to hold consultations aimed at achieving peaceful and lasting solutions to the Nyamini land disputes.

The suspension of demarcation in Nyamini has been in place since June, and officials say it will remain until dialogue among affected communities is concluded.

Despite the concerns raised, Hon. Abe assured citizens that the overall security situation in Central Equatoria State remains stable. He stressed that the government is committed to maintaining peace and ensuring public safety.

For families already struggling with the pressures of daily life in Juba, the rise in suicide cases adds to growing anxieties. The combination of unemployment, drug abuse and unresolved disputes over land reflects wider challenges facing South Sudan’s urban population, particularly the youth.

An official statement from the State Press Unit on its online platforms stated that continued cooperation between government institutions, communities and law enforcement agencies will be vital in addressing these issues.

The State Security Committee is expected to reconvene next week with further updates.

Main Issues Raised in Central Equatoria Security Meeting