A Big Blow to Campaign Against Witch hunting in Africa
The recent approval by Pope Francis of the practice of exorcism has dealt a heavy blow to efforts to combat witch hunting in Africa. At a time the UN and the international community are exploring ways of tackling horrific abuses related to belief in witchcraft, the papal recognition of the association of exorcists comprising 250 priests in 30 countries is a huge set back. It dims the prospects of making witch-hunting history in Africa. In fact, Vatican's approval of exorcism will end up legitimizing this abusive process.
Millions of Africans are catholic and look to the Vatican for guidance in the practice of their faith. So the decision by the pope to recognise exorcism sends very disturbing signals. Many Africans will interpret this development to mean an endorsement of witch hunting because witch hunting is believed to be a form of exorcism.
Witchcraft is part of the demonological narratives in Africa. And most African catholics claim that witchcraft is a form of evil spirit that can be expelled by priests or pastors. 
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