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Franciscans raise awareness on phenomenon of so-called “witch children” in North Benin

In the framework of the implementation of UPR of Benin, Franciscans International and the NGO Franciscans-Benin are committed to addressing the issue of children accused of witchcraft in Northern Benin.


African child and his father

African child and his father

In December 2012, Franciscans-Benin with the support of the French Embassy organised two raising awareness campaigns on so-called witch children, respectively in Brignamaro and Kerou, Northern Benin. The campaign was organised by Franciscans, in collaboration with representatives of religious congregations, traditional leaders, local authorities and journalists.

The first campaign took place in Brignamaro on and 28th December, with the presence of the ‘King’ of Brignamaro and His Majesty Sina Bawaroughui. More than 900 participants attended the event.  In his speech, the ‘King’ of Brignamaro emphasised the fact that the event constitutes a turning point in the mentality of local populations, and he qualified the infanticide as “a harmful taboo” to be demystified. The ‘King’ was followed by speeches made by a number of local dignitaries who pointed out the State’s international obligations on the Rights of the Child and the importance of working with the international community.

To be more penetrating, the campaign included sketches illustrating the issue in a playful way. Following the performance, actors took extra time to discuss the problem with the public. They explained that some cultural practices can be harmful and for this reason must be rejected. In this respect the talked about the heinous belief according to which abnormal or premature births are linked to witchcraft, leading to the killing or the abandonment of the baby.

The campaign ended with a series of speeches and videos highlighting, inter alia, the central role played by women in the fight against infanticide practices.

The 29th of December, the delegations headed to Kerou, a village located 12 kilometres north from Brignamaro. This second campaign was attended by more than 800 participants. The opening session was led by His Majesty Saka Zime, the ‘Emperor’ of Nikki, a traditional leader in Kerou. He strongly condemned the infanticide practices towards so-called witch children.

Local authorities supported this campaign and explained criminal dimensions of killing or abandoning a child. They also encouraged strengthening prenatal medical exams and medical assistance both during pregnancy and delivery. The campaign included testimonies of victims of witchcrafts beliefs. They shared their personal experiences and the way they managed to survive. One witness explained that he was rejected and abandoned by his family right after his birth. He was saved and raised by a religious community. Later on, as a student in sociology, he decided to fight against this phenomenon and wrote his master thesis on ‘Witch Children in Northern Benin’.

Both campaigns were successful due to the support of and cooperation with various civil society organisations, religious congregations, and the French Embassy. The contribution, participation and involvement of Benin public authorities and traditional leaders were definitely a crucial factor for sensitizing local communities.