In brief
Violence related to sorcery allegations is escalating in Papua New Guinea, with tragic incidents revealing the deep-rooted beliefs in magic and spirits amid economic hardships.
In Papua New Guinea, a harrowing incident involved a group of men armed with bush knives seeking vengeance for the untimely death of a baby girl. Believing a woman they encountered that morning was responsible, they dragged her from her home in Port Moresby and subjected her to horrific torture, breaking her hands and burning her skin with heated metal bars. She managed to escape death thanks to her son, who called the police on time.“This was not due to any magic,” Korai, the survivor, shared when recounting her ordeal from the previous June. Her experience reflects a worrying trend in the country, with reports suggesting that violence fueled by sorcery allegations is on the rise. Many in Papua New Guinea continue to hold steadfast beliefs in the existence of evil spirits, attributing misfortunes and deaths to the supposed workings of black magic.Experts are noting that recent social changes underpinning this violent phenomenon relate to the country's uneven economic development. While Papua New Guinea is rich in resources and foreign investments have surged, many locals find themselves slipping deeper into poverty and frustration, which heightens tensions. In such an environment, scapegoating through sorcery accusations has dire consequences, igniting cycles of violence and societal division.These allegations often lead to tragic outcomes, showcasing a critical issue that threatens the fabric of communities in Papua New Guinea – a reminder that the fear of the unknown, when left unchecked, can manifest into violence with devastating consequences.
