Gambia’s sordid dictatorship  is conducting “witch hunts” and spreading fear throughout its territory.  This time it’s not being done in the name of religion, and it isn’t targeting children, but it’s still dreadful and murderous.  

It is a bizarre and terrifying campaign, apparently sparked by the death of the dictator’s aunt.  He believed witchcraft was responsible.  People are selected by witch finders, apparently at random, forced to drink poisonous liquids, beaten, and after some days, if they survive, return home.

Others are forced to sacrifice animals to ‘fight witchcraft.’

This is the dark side of what can happen in a society where belief in magick is widespread, especially when ruthless politicians are in control. Anything unpleasant can be attributed to someone’s malicious influence. 

I wonder whether along with its many other problems, Africa might be falling into a witch hunting craze such as convulsed Europe.