Suicide in Muslim‐Majority Countries Within the WHO African Region: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology and SocioCultural Factors

Background Although suicide research is extensive in many countries, Muslim‐majority countries in Africa represent a unique ‘blind spot’ as a result of a complex interplay of sociocultural stigma, legal criminalization and religious prohibition. Objective This article describes suicide in Muslim‐majority countries within the World Health Organization (WHO) African region (AFR). Methods We assessed estimates on suicide in eleven Muslim‐majority countries (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Sierra Leone) located within the WHO AFR, focusing on available epidemiological patterns, relevant sociocultural, religious, legal aspects and data‐quality considerations. Results Suicide rates varied widely across the region. Algeria reported the lowest age‐standardized rate (2.3 per 100,000), whereas Burkina Faso had the highest (15.4 per 100,000). Other countries showed moderate rates: Chad 10.7, Comoros 8.9, Gambia 8.3, Guinea 8.2, Mali 8.3, Mauritania 4.9, Niger 8.9, Senegal 11.6 and Sierra Leone 9.7 (per 100,000). Male suicide rates consistently exceeded female rates across all countries. Conclusion Suicide in African Muslim‐majority countries results from complex interactions between individual, social, economic and structural factors. Prevention requires integrated strategies that combine evidence‐based mental health care with culture and religion sensitive approaches, supported by legal reform and strengthened community engagement.