6 Accused of Witchcraft Killed, 2 Burned Alive in Burundi: Shocking Incident Revealed

Six people accused of witchcraft were killed, burned alive, stoned, or beaten by a militia in Burundi, as reported by a local official to AFP. The incident occurred after accusations by members of the ruling party's youth movement, the Imbonerakure. This group is labeled as a militia by the United Nations and rights organizations. The attack took place in Gasarara Hill, six miles east of Bujumbura, where the victims were brutally assaulted. Six individuals lost their lives, with two burned alive and others beaten to death or stoned. Three additional individuals were also beaten but were rescued by police intervention. Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media, confirmed by witnesses who identified the perpetrators as the Imbonerakure.

Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have accused the Imbonerakure of numerous human rights violations, especially during the rule of former president Pierre Nkurunziza. Governor Desire Nsengiyumva stated that 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, condemning the vigilante justice and clarifying that recent deaths were wrongly linked to witchcraft. Burundi, a predominantly Christian nation, often attributes unexplained deaths to witchcraft beliefs. The country has a history of witchcraft-related convictions, with the Supreme Court sentencing a former prime minister to life imprisonment for similar charges.

Belief in witchcraft is prevalent in various African countries, with reports of human rights abuses against those suspected of witchcraft. Amnesty International highlighted abuses in Ghana, while Zambia and Angola have also seen cases related to witchcraft accusations. Despite opposition from the church, belief in witchcraft persists in some communities. Pope Benedict, during a visit to Angola, urged Catholics to reject witchcraft practices.

According to the source: CBS News.