Tragic Witchcraft Accusations in Burundi: 6 Lives Lost, 2 Burned Alive – Shocking Official Report

Six people were brutally killed in Burundi after being accused of witchcraft. This horrifying incident happened after members of the ruling party’s youth group, the Imbonerakure, allegedly targeted them. Reports say that on Monday, young members of this group stormed homes in Gasarara Hill, not far from Bujumbura, the capital.

The local official described the scene as “unspeakable barbarity.” Victims were beaten, stoned, and two of them were burned alive. Some managed to escape serious injury thanks to police intervention.

Unverified videos of the violence have surfaced online, with some witnesses confirming that the Imbonerakure were involved. Rights groups like Human Rights Watch have frequently criticized this youth militia for human rights violations, especially during the rule of former president Pierre Nkurunziza, who held power from 2005 to 2020.

Desire Nsengiyumva, a governor in the region, stated that 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. He condemned this mob justice and emphasized that locals wrongly blamed these victims for unexplained recent deaths.

Burundi has a rich cultural backdrop, where belief in witchcraft runs deep, particularly in rural areas. In fact, just last year, the Supreme Court sentenced a former prime minister to life in prison over accusations of using witchcraft against the then-president.

This isn’t a unique issue. Across Africa, many face violence due to witchcraft accusations. Amnesty International reports rampant human rights abuses against those suspected of witchcraft in Ghana. Earlier this year, two men in Zambia were even charged with intending to harm the president through witchcraft.

In Angola, belief in witchcraft remains rooted in some communities, despite the church’s opposition. Disturbingly, authorities reported that about 50 people died last year after being forced to drink a potion to “prove” they were not sorcerers. In 2009, Pope Benedict spoke against these beliefs during a visit, urging people to reject witchcraft.

Events like these highlight the need for awareness and action against mob justice and human rights abuses in the name of superstition. The implications stretch beyond Burundi—it’s a troubling trend seen in various parts of Africa and requires a collective response to prevent future tragedies.



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