– A dark cloud hangs over the remote northern village of Culade in Guinea-Bissau, where eight women have tragically lost their lives under horrific circumstances. Accused of witchcraft by a local animist priest, they were forced to consume poison, leading to their deaths. This incident, confirmed by a senior official on Thursday, highlights the ongoing struggle against harmful traditional practices that continue to claim lives in the 21st century.
The ordeal began with the sudden illness and passing of two young children in Culade. Blaming witchcraft for the tragedy, an animist priest targeted eight women, all over 50 years old, forcing them to ingest poison. Sadly, none of the women survived. An additional 21 individuals were also hospitalized in the regional capital, Sao Domingos, after being subjected to the same ordeal.
This incident is not an isolated one. According to Carlos Sanha, a senior administrative official in Culade, similar events have unfolded in the past, reflecting the deeply ingrained animist beliefs that persist in the region. Determined to eradicate such practices, Sanha expressed his resolve to take necessary actions. “It’s sad and unacceptable in the 21st century,” he stated. “We can no longer tolerate such practices.”
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the harmful consequences of perpetuating outdated traditions. The incident also underscores the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns to combat harmful beliefs and empower communities to reject such practices. The deaths of these eight women stand as a call to action, urging authorities and communities to work together to create a safer future where baseless accusations and forced actions are replaced by understanding and respect for human life.
The shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic further complicates the situation. In 2021, four individuals in the same region lost their lives under similar circumstances, with locals mistakenly attributing the virus to witchcraft. This highlights the need for effective communication and education alongside efforts to combat harmful traditional practices. Only through a multifaceted approach can communities be empowered to make informed choices and protect themselves from such tragedies.
