Survivors of South Sudan Civil War starting to wish they were dead

As the civil war rages on in South Sudan, life becomes increasingly unbearable for the millions of civilians who are affected by the violence.

Authorities report more than 300 000 people have been killed during the war, but it is the millions who remain behind that ultimately endure the most suffering. For many, suicide is fast becoming the only option.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF), who conduct operations in the Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site say 31 people, in that facility alone, tried to commit suicide in 2017. Seven of those attempts were successful.

In December, there were 10 suicide attempts, which was a tremendous spike.

Dr Jairam Ramakrishnan, the hospital psychiatrist, said: “It is a common enough sight in the hospital. For many people the anxieties and stresses of being trapped in the PoC are beyond what they can cope with.”

“Much of the population face chronically depressing circumstances. Most men won’t leave the camp as they are afraid they will be attacked or forced to join an armed group,” added Ramakrishnan.

The reality is that millions of Sudanese civilians don’t have any option but to live in camps like the PoC, but it is a gloomy option. Improving the quality of life is not and has never been a priority for the United Nations.

“Given the violence that people have lived through, many would be expected to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. But I see a different picture,” said Ramakrishnan.

“Despite the violence, people are resilient and survive without many of the tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. But, overtime, faced with being stuck in the current living circumstances without any improvement in their lives, feel hopeless,” added Ramakrishnan.

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