At least six people accused of witchcraft were killed in Burundi, with two burned alive, in a brutal attack by a militia linked to the ruling party’s youth movement. The incident occurred on Monday after accusations made by members of the Imbonerakure group, described as a militia by the United Nations and human rights organizations.
According to local officials, the attackers targeted around 10 people accused of witchcraft, killing six in the process, with two being burned alive. Three others were beaten to death or stoned, while three were rescued after police intervened. Rights groups have long accused the Imbonerakure of killing and torturing dozens of people under former President Pierre Nkurunziza’s authoritarian rule.
The incident has sparked condemnation from local authorities, who have denounced “unacceptable mob justice.” Belief in witchcraft remains common in Burundi and across the West African coast, where unexplained deaths are often blamed on the accused. Similar cases have been reported in other countries, including Ghana, Zambia, and Angola, highlighting the need for greater protections against human rights abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/witchcraft-accusations-killings-burundi-official-says