A wave of grief and sorrow swept through the African student community at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), after a Burundian student aged between 20 and 25 died by suicide following academic failure.
According to friends, the student had fallen into deep emotional distress after repeatedly failing his courses. The pressure of having studied abroad with heavy financial support from his family—who hoped he would fulfill their dreams—deepened his despair.
Sadou Diallo, President of MAGE-UQAC, stated:
“His suicide is a strong reminder that many suffer silently, afraid to seek help because their culture does not allow open discussions about mental health.”
The young man had been studying at UQAC for two years, with the dream of graduating and helping his family. However, those close to him revealed that his recent academic failures, family pressure, shame, and cultural fear of failure pushed him to a psychological breaking point.
Hermann Kouadjo, Vice President of the Association of International Students (AEI), called the tragedy a painful lesson:
“In many African cultures, suicide is taboo. It is hidden in shame. Yet here in Canada, support systems exist—but many students are not ready to use them.”
A report by the Alliance pour la santé étudiante au Québec (ASEQ) reveals a significant rise in student requests for mental health support in the 2024–2025 academic year. However, student leaders say fear of stigma or impacts on immigration status deters many from seeking help.
In November 2023, another African student, Mamadou Salinou Baldé from Guinea, was killed by police in Chicoutimi after attempting to attack them while armed. Friends say he had serious mental health challenges, although the coroner’s report did not fully explain what triggered his actions.
UQAC management says it has set up accessible 24/7 support via the Dialogue platform and advanced counseling services.
In August, the university will launch a new program aimed at encouraging students to speak openly about mental health, prevent depression, reduce loneliness, and foster community and peer support.
