In Angola, a town is grappling with what seems to be an outbreak of witchcraft. The findings of a ritual aimed at identifying witches suggest as much. During this peculiar ceremony, suspects are administered a poisonous concoction by traditional healers. If they succumb, they are deemed guilty. Shockingly, in the span of this year alone, at least 50 individuals have met their demise in this town.
During January and February, tribal marabous, known as witch doctors, in the vicinity of Camacupa, located in central Angola, leveled accusations of witchcraft against numerous individuals. Subsequently, they compelled these individuals to ingest a toxic herbal blend known as Mbulungu as a means to demonstrate their innocence. According to legend, the consumption of Mbulungu resulting in death is viewed as confirmation of witchcraft. Tragically, such an outcome also renders the accused unable to refute the accusation.
Despite the majority of Angolans being Catholic, remnants of traditional beliefs persist, with a significant portion of the population maintaining belief in witches. Unlike certain African nations, Angola lacks specific legislation addressing witchcraft, likely reflecting the government’s perception in 2024 that it isn’t a pressing issue necessitating intervention. Consequently, individuals seek recourse with marabous and their deadly herbal concoctions in the absence of legal measures.
Both Camacupa town councilor Luzia Filemone and provincial police spokesman Antonio Hossi have voiced concerns regarding the surge in poisonings, with Hossi cautioning that the incidence appears to be on the rise. Additionally, local church leaders are lending their voices to the issue. In the preceding year, a bishop in the former Portuguese colony attributed the proliferation of witchcraft accusations to the economic challenges facing the nation, suggesting that some Angolans perceive it as an escape from poverty. He urged the government to generate employment opportunities to engage young individuals, thereby deterring criminal activities.
Regrettably, Angola operates as a one-party state under the governance of the far-left People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). In addition to its ineffective socialist economic strategies, the MPLA is notorious for its rampant corruption, ranking among the most corrupt administrations globally. Consequently, it appears that Angolans seeking to break free from poverty will persist in resorting to witchcraft, thereby exposing themselves to the peril of facing accusations and being coerced into consuming the lethal concoctions administered by the Marabous.
