Source: GUARDIAN >> Read full article and comment

The persecution of children accused of witchcraft is a reaction to the insecurity of modern Africa. We must protect them.

Joachim Theis

Thursday 29 July 2010 17.18 BST

Beliefs in witchcraft and other occult forces are widespread in Africa, as they are in many other parts of the world. Animist beliefs consider death, disease, crop failure and other disasters not as natural occurrences, but as the result of the activities of supernatural powers. Families commonly consult traditional healers who divine the cause of the calamity. In some cultures, spirits are held responsible, while in others, individuals are identified as witches and blamed for the misfortune. Usually old and marginalized persons are scapegoated, but in recent years there have been increased reports of children, even toddlers, being accused of witchcraft in parts of Africa. Once accused of sorcery, children are forced to admit to being witches and to reveal the name of the “witch” that has passed on the evil power to them….Continue Reading