By Matik Kueth
A disturbing surge in suicide cases and a wave of violent crimes have rocked Central Equatoria State (CES), with authorities reporting 12 suicides and numerous incidents of armed robbery and theft in just one week.
The troubling figures, revealed during a Tuesday security briefing chaired by CES Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, have prompted the state’s Security Committee to launch an urgent crackdown on criminal activity across Juba County.
State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Leon Abe Brown, described the situation as “deeply troubling” and “unprecedented in recent memory.”
“Over the past one week alone, suicide cases have risen to 12, alongside numerous incidents of looting and armed robbery. This is something we cannot ignore,” Brown stated.
The alarming rise in suicides, many linked to growing mental health concerns, is drawing renewed attention to the state of urban safety in Juba.
Alongside the spike in suicides, Juba has witnessed a string of violent crimes, including high-profile robberies and an increase in youth gang activity.
The Security Committee has ordered intensified surveillance operations in known crime hotspots such as Gudele, Munuki, and Jebel. Patrols have also been bolstered in residential neighborhoods that have seen a rise in daylight burglaries.
Brown urged security personnel to take decisive action to restore order, protect citizens, and apprehend criminals.
“We call on all security agencies to fully execute their mandate of protecting citizens and their property, and to remain on high alert to apprehend and investigate those responsible,” he stressed.
While the security challenges are most acute in Juba County, other parts of Central Equatoria have remained relatively stable.
However, the committee also expressed concern over mounting tensions in Korok West, where disputes over land allocation nearly escalated into violence.
“Those involved in the land allocation exercise possessed valid documents. However, during the implementation process, certain individuals attempted to sabotage the operation,” he said.
He emphasized the need for calm and cooperation during government-led land verification processes.
Despite the grim statistics, CES authorities maintain that the broader security situation across the state remains “calm.”
The committee further called for urgent action, both to restore public confidence and address the root causes of the mental health crisis.
“As the Security Committee, we urge respect for the government and its institutions. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all citizens. We will not relent in pursuing peace, accountability, and the rule of law,” he appealed.