The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29 worldwide. WHO also identifies factors such as violence, bullying, depression, family conflicts, discrimination, and isolation as contributors that increase suicide risk.
In Rwanda, media outlets have reported various suicide cases, including individuals jumping from tall buildings such as Inkundamahoro in Nyabugogo, Makuza Tower in downtown Kigali, and other locations across the country.
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Rising Cases of Suicide Attempts
The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) announced that in 2024, health facilities received and monitored 602 people who attempted suicide, with more than half aged between 19 and 35.
Reported causes include family disputes, relationship problems, loneliness, financial difficulties, and a lack of timely support.
In media briefings on suicide cases handled by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry revealed that between 2020 and 2021, 285 people committed suicide using methods such as ingesting agricultural or veterinary chemicals, drowning in lakes and rivers, among others.
Encouraging Suicide Is a Punishable Offense
Suicide itself is not a crime. However, when people around a victim fail to provide help or instead encourage them to continue with the plan, that becomes an offense under Rwandan law.
This offense is defined in Article 116 of Law Nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 on offenses and penalties, which states:
“Any person who incites another to commit suicide, assists them to commit suicide, or causes them to commit suicide through harassment with the intent of making them commit suicide, commits an offense.”
If convicted, the offender faces imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Signs of suicidal intent may include isolation, withdrawal from social interaction, severe sadness, openly expressing hopelessness, or saying that life no longer has meaning.
RIB reminds the public that harassing, abusing, or pressuring someone to the point of suicide is punishable by law.
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Seeking Help and Supporting Those at Risk
Instead of contributing to someone’s distress, people are encouraged to immediately seek help for anyone showing suicidal tendencies so that timely intervention can be provided.
Providing support, listening without judgment, and connecting individuals at risk with appropriate professional assistance can help prevent loss of life.
