US EditionBeaten, banished, killed: Witchcraft accusations haunt Africa’s old
More than 70% of witchcraft accusations in Africa target older adults, often linked to misunderstood dementia symptoms and economic hardships, advocates report.
- A few months ago, Ayder Kanyomushana, 81, was beaten by villagers who blamed her as their onion, potato and bean fields withered, and they later destroyed her garden again.
- After a months-long drought, villagers consulted witch doctor Fredianah Tibeijuka and pointed to a missing bark cloth, which neighbours said implicated that person.
- Leo Igwe says more than 70% of cases Advocacy for Alleged Witches receives involve older people, with 30% linked to cognitive issues; Dr. Temitope Farombi started the `Dementia Not Witchcraft` campaign six years ago.
- Accusations frequently result in beatings, banishment and death, with women disproportionately affected; Reach One Touch One Ministries intervened to remove Kanyomushana and warned of court and prison time.
- Igwe says accusations rise during economic downturns as parts of Africa face hardship, advocates fear growth with Africa's older population surging, but data on witchcraft accusations remains sparse.
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Winnipeg Free Press+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Beaten, banished, killed: Witchcraft accusations haunt Africa’s old
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left9Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution90% Left
Bias Distribution
- 90% of the sources lean Left
90% Left
L 90%
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