World Day Against Witch Hunts: Advocacy group urges end to abuses in communities

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
As the world marks the World Day Against Witch Hunts today, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, (AfAW) is calling on chiefs and traditional rulers across Africa to take urgent action to end violence linked to witchcraft beliefs in their communities.
This year’s theme, “Chiefs and Ending Witch hunts in Communities”, puts traditional leaders at the centre of the campaign to stop ritual attacks, banishments, and jungle justice carried out against people accused of witchcraft.
The lead presenter for this year’s observance is Dr. Leo Igwe, in Religious Studies from the University of Bayreuth.
In a statement marking the day, AfAW said chiefs are “key actors...