Editorial Note: TWH uses lowercase on “witches,” “witchcraft,” and “witch-hunt” to denote there appears no association with modern Pagan or Witchcraft practices. The victims of “witch-hunts” are usually not Pagans, Witches, or practicing any spiritual practice typically considered Pagan, though we recognize our community can be similarly targeted.
TWH – We begin the secular year with the reminder that witchcraft accusations are dangerous in many parts of the world.
The intricacies of witchcraft remain a complex subject across Africa. Accusations of witchcraft have the potential to incite violence. These accusations stem from adverse connections drawn to traditional customs and those accused of witchcraft are not related to NeoPagan movements like Wicca or other forms of Witchcraft as a spiritual practice.
Over the past decade, the United Nations has documented approximately 20,000 victims of violence linked to sorcery-related fears or practices across 60 countries worldwide. In Africa, this violence manifests in various forms, primarily targeting children, women, older adults, and individuals with albinism. Those accused of witchcraft often endure ostracism, disinheritance, mutilation, rape, and even ritual killings. Such accusations tend to surge during crises as a means of explaining misfortune.
[Nye, Edgar Wilson “Bill” (1850-1896) [Public domain]
Witchcraft suspicions are pervasive and challenging to refute, much less prove them with concrete evidence. A study from American University, published in November 2022, revealed that “witchcraft beliefs are notably more widespread in countries with weak institutions and low-quality governance.” Suspicions tend to thrive in environments with limited access to public health services, education, and employment opportunities.
The study authors noted “The study documents that witchcraft beliefs are still widespread around the world. Moreover, their prevalence is systematically related to a number of cultural, institutional, psychological, and socioeconomic characteristics.”
As we have reported previously, there have been advances and advocacy with the hope of eliminating witchcraft accusations. Organizations such as the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA) have been active in eliminating the harmful practice of witchcraft accusations. The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution in July 2023 urging Member States to publicly condemn such actions while also encouraging them to prevent the spread of misinformation, disinformation, intolerant ideology, and incitement of hatred. It recognizes religious freedom as a human right and a necessary ingredient for a “durable peace” and the creation of a thriving society.
Two recent events in Africa, however, do suggest some further progress or at least some resistance.
Lago, Nigeria Photo Credit: Magnifigee [CC BY-SA 4.0]
Last month, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, reportedly alleged that all women possess a witchcraft spirit during the reality show, Real Housewives of Lagos. Ile-Ife is considered the ancestral home of the Yoruba people in Nigeria and the Ooni is regarded as one of the most revered and respected traditional rulers. The Ooni is considered the custodian of the sacred city of Ife, with significant cultural and spiritual responsibilities based on his connection to the ancestral roots of the Yoruba people.
The Ooni’s comments prompted an immediate response by Dr. Leo Igwe, founder and director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), a Humanist movement in Nigeria that “works and campaigns to defend the rights and dignity of alleged witches and end all forms of human rights abuses linked to witchcraft allegations in African countries.” They view witchcraft through the lens of superstition.
“Ooni should understand that his pronouncements matter; that he should not use his position to demean or degrade women and other human beings. Ooni should know that his words have an impact and consequences,” wrote Igwe in a statement. “The Advocacy for Alleged Witches regards it as strange that an educated traditional ruler like Ooni would speak about women in such an ignorant and disrespectful manner, identifying them as witches. Witches in this 21st century!”
Igwe added “What he says has some weight and influences what people believe and how people behave towards each other, women in this case. Ooni should realize that he cannot afford to be reckless and irresponsible in his utterances.”
There is pushback elsewhere too. In an unrelated case, Mwanzia, a Kenyan woman residing in the United States, has taken legal action, pursuing compensation of 6 million Kenyan Shillings (~USD$38,000) from a self-described Christian prophet whom she accuses of defaming her by branding her as a witch during a preaching session. Her claim is for damages for libel and malicious falsehoods, as well as compensation for psychological and emotional distress. However, Mwanzia is also seeking a formal apology.
The filing is in Milimani Commercial Court in Nairobi and the lawsuit alleges that Prophet David Owusu of Grace Arena Ministries labeled Mwanzia as a witch and made damaging remarks during a YouTube broadcast on July 22, 2023. Court documents state that Owusu conveyed to Mwanzia’s sister during the program that she was not only extremely wicked but had exchanged lives with her.
“Your sister Adella is very evil, she is occultic. She is living your life. You were supposed to be in the US and she was supposed to be here. She swapped your life. She does meditation, she is not a Buddhist, she is a witch,” the court papers note.
Attorney Samuel Ochieng said “The defamatory words were uttered when Owusu was interviewing Mwanzia’s sister during a church service in his church based in Industrial area in Nairobi and was published in his church’s YouTube channel (GAM),” noting that the broadcast had a wide reach in the community and Mwanzia’s family.
Owusu denies the allegations and the elements of the lawsuit.
The case is expected to begin on January 19, 2024.
The Wild Hunt will continue reporting progress on accusations of witchcraft and the current lawsuit.
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