Witch-Hunts in Africa: Exposing the Harm Behind the Superstition

Witch-hunts in Africa remain one of the most painful reminders of how fear and superstition can override compassion and reason. Across the continent, countless people; especially children, elderly women, and the mentally ill — are being accused of witchcraft, often tortured, exiled, or even killed.

These are not cultural traditions to be respected. They are gross human rights abuses. Accusations are usually based on nothing more than suspicion or fear. A child who speaks out of turn, an elderly woman who lives alone, a sick person showing strange symptoms — any of them can be labeled a witch.

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Witch-hunts in Africa are not spiritual matters. They are driven by ignorance, poverty, and desperation. Unfortunately, many so-called religious leaders take advantage of this. They offer fake exorcisms and brutal “deliverance” rituals in exchange for money. These self-proclaimed pastors and prophets are not offering healing. They are profiting from suffering.

The silence from leaders, intellectuals, and government agencies is part of the problem. When witch-hunting is treated as a private or religious issue rather than a public crime, it continues to spread like a plague. Children accused of witchcraft are beaten, abandoned, or even murdered. This is child abuse. This is torture. This is evil.

The truth is simple: No one is born a witch. Aging, illness, or poverty is not a sign of spiritual corruption. Witchcraft is not the problem. Witch-hunting is.

To move Africa forward, we must replace superstition with science. Replace fear with critical thinking. Replace false prophets with real education. Governments must pass and enforce laws protecting citizens from these abuses. Communities must learn to challenge harmful beliefs.

We must speak clearly and loudly: Witch-hunts have no place in a modern society. The time to end this cruelty is now.

By Genesis Eririoma – Humanist Thinker, Rational Ethics Advocate