Children Accused of Witchcraft

“Hope” was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa PHOTO CREDIT: ACAEDF & FACEBOOK

A UNICEF funded research on children accused of witchcraft, an anthropological study of contemporary practices in Africa, was published by Aleksandra Cimpric UNICEF WCARO, Dakar in April 2010. This publication focused on “the issue of children who are victims of violence and mistreatment due to local beliefs, representations and practices, in particular, relating to witchcraft,”… and the consequences of such beliefs which are often falsely associated with “African tradition”. This study noted that “behaviors commonly associated with accusations of witchcraft include violence, mistreatment, abuse, infanticide and the abandonment of children. From a western perspective, such practices are violations of the rights of children.” The April 2010 UNICEF publication described the belief in witchcraft “as the ability to harm someone through the use of mystical power.”

The UNICEF April 2010 publication also indicated that “vulnerable children accused of an act of witchcraft can be divided into three categories. The first category, which includes thousands of children, refers to the urban phenomenon of “child witches”. These children are typically orphans who have lost one or both natural parents; children with a physical disability (or any physical abnormality, including a large head, swollen belly, red eyes, etc.); those with a physical illness (epilepsy, tuberculosis, etc.) or disability (autism, Down Syndrome, etc., or even those who stutter); or especially gifted children. Children showing any unusual behaviour, for example children who are stubborn, aggressive, thoughtful, withdrawn or lazy, also make up this category. The second category covers children whose birth is considered abnormal, such as the “bad birth” children from the Bight of Benin region. These children may be premature (in the eighth month), or presentation may be in any variety of breech positions, or in the posterior, face‐up position during delivery. Also included are twins, who are sometimes associated with the occult, their birth symbolizing the evil or anger of the gods. The third and final category concerns children with albinism who are killed because of the magic powers supposedly contained in parts of their bodies, including their organs, hair, skin and limbs.”

The publication also discusses why children are accused of witchcraft, “There are multiple causes for the recent and growing accusations of witchcraft against children. Anthropologists and social observers are unanimous in recognizing the complexity of economic, political and social factors that contribute to such accusations. The urban phenomenon of “child witches” and the violence that surround them are the result of a “multi‐crisis” (De Boeck, 2000). Life in the city, paid employment, consumerism, financial pressure and an emerging individualism have all led to profound transformations in family structures. The result is a dysfunctional family and a disruption of relations between age groups – in particular the legitimacy of parental authority – and between men and women. The changes that have been introduced through development are therefore a challenge to African solidarity.”

In January 2016, a starving Nigerian child who was accused of being a witch and abandoned by his family was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish care worker and founder of the African Children's Aid Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF). The toddler now named “Hope” was found in a terribly emaciated state, riddled with worms and could barely stand. When Anja found “Hope”, she gave him water from a bottle and, having wrapped the child in a blanket, took him to hospital where he received intensive treatment that include daily blood transfusions and was also de-wormed. Miraculously, “Hope” has since recovered and is doing quite well. Anja’s organization has received $1 million dollars to help in “Hope’s” case. In one of Anja’s Facebook posts, she wrote, “As you can see on the pictures, Hope is really enjoying his life now having 35 new brothers and sisters who ALL take such good care of him, play with him, study with him, and make sure he is safe and is getting a lot of love.””

“Hope’s story is an endearing one that would remain a real life lesson for all. The UNICEF April 2010 publication offers solid recommendations to support combating the beliefs of child witches and these include “preventive and proactive ways to respond to and address abuse, exploitation and violence, including improving service provision, legal frameworks and access to justice.” In addition are “programming and advocacy interventions to promote social change by raising awareness among families and community leaders, mobilizing and working with legal professionals and regulating churches and traditional healers. “

“Hope” was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa PHOTO CREDIT: ACAEDF & FACEBOOK

“Hope” was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa PHOTO CREDIT: ACAEDF & FACEBOOK

“Hope” was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa PHOTO CREDIT: ACAEDF & FACEBOOK

“Hope” was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa PHOTO CREDIT: ACAEDF & FACEBOOK

“Hope” was rescued by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa PHOTO CREDIT: ACAEDF & FACEBOOK