On behalf of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, an organisation that campaigns to end witch hunting in Africa, I am writing to draw your attention to cases of witch hunts, witch persecution and murder in some Commonwealth countries. I am writing to express our concern over the deafening silence of Commonwealth over this issue.

There have been widespread reports of attacks, trial by ordeal, banishment, bloodletting and murder of suspected witches in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India, and other Commonwealth nations. In Tanzania, for example, an estimated 3,000 people were killed for allegedly practicing witchcraft between 2005 and 2011, and about 60,000 accused witches were murdered between 1960 and 2000.

Our advocacy group has documented several cases including instances where alleged witches have been buried alive, lynched, strangled or stoned to death. Still these abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs have not been treated with the urgency that they deserve. Witch hunting has resulted in internal displacement in many countries. I did my field work in northern Ghana where thousands of alleged witches are banished and forced to spend the rest of their lives in make shift shelters also known as witch camps.

Madam Secretary General, witch hunting supposed to be a thing of the past but it is not due to the inaction of local and international actors like the Commonwealth. Witch hunting persists in many Commonwealth nations due to official silence and indifference; because of an unfortunate impression that witch hunting is a part of African culture. Madam Secretary General, witch hunting is not a part of African culture but a harmful traditional practice that should be eradicated.

As you may recall, in 2021, the UN passed a resolution urging member states to take all necessary measures to combat abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks. Despite this resolution, these horrific abuses have continued. I urge you to use your good office and get the Commonwealth to add its voice to efforts to end witch hunting and related abuses in the world.

Thank you in anticipation of your consideration of this proposal

Sincerely

Leo Igwe Ph.D Religious Studies (Bayreuth)