Agony Of Old Age: Witchcraft Accusations and Human Rights Violations in Malawi

Author: Violet Nyirongo

September 2, 2026

[Image credit: Nikita Pishchugin/Unsplash]

Introduction 

An older person is one of 60 years or older (Malawi National Policy for Older Persons, 2016). Old age is the last stage in the life process of an individual, usually accompanied by cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes (Luis & Anabela, 2023). Globally, population aging is occurring at a much faster rate than in the past, and all countries face a major challenge in ensuring that support systems are responsive to the needs and well-being of older adults (World Health Organization, 2022). The notion that longevity is unnatural is common in Malawi, leading to suspicion and witchcraft allegations towards the elderly. Consequently, many elderly individuals experience stress, depression, and exclusion from community activities. This, in turn, causes death, psychological distress, human rights violations, and stigmatization among the elderly in the rural area of Mzimba in the Northern part of Malawi. Under the Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande, witchcraft accusation cases against elderly people are very high. This leads to human rights violations, which need to be addressed and protected. For example, in 2022, a death in the community led to two elderly women being accused of causing the death of a young lady. This accusation came with brutal beatings and assaults on the two elderly women, who were forced to dig the grave of the deceased. The rights of the two elderly women were violated because there was no further evidence, beyond their age, linking them to causing the death.

Unfortunately, aging is associated with witchcraft in many parts of the world, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (Atata, 2019). Witchcraft accusations stigmatize the elderly and have ramifications for family ties and other social relations (Akrong, 2017; Harries, 2012). Witchcraft accusations have the potential to diminish the value, support, and care provided to the elderly, leaving them vulnerable to abuse (Akrong, 2007; Nyabwari and Kgema, 2014). 

The world’s population is aging, and the most rapidly aging population is in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the aging population increases the number of people at risk of being accused of witchcraft, especially for women. This is due to their low status across certain regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is often older women who are overwhelmingly accused of witchcraft or being a witch (Krug et al, 20:02).

The accusations and persecutions of elderly people in Malawi have been presented in the past, but have become particularly rampant in recent times. Growing up in the early 2000s, I realized that older people in the communities of 50 and above were most likely to be accused of causing misfortune in the community. For example, the death of a child may be associated with an older person, especially a woman, having bewitched the child. Other problems in the community are associated with older persons, such as youth unemployment and financial hardships. 

Malawi is endowed with a rich diversity of cultures, represented by more than 16 languages spoken by various ethnic groups. The ethnic groups originally settled in areas often share common languages, cultural practices, and economic activities. Despite the diversity, older persons play an important role across all ethnic groups. In African cultures, older persons are traditionally regarded as a storehouse of knowledge and experiences. They often arbitrate intra-family conflicts.They are central in the passage of rites, knowledge, and traditions to the next generation (Phiri, 1983). Despite culture and traditions requiring the respect and support of older persons, many older persons are considered weak. Due to their often-low levels of formal education, they are typically thought to be uneducated and are therefore subjected to discrimination, abuse, and violence. For example, older persons are often blamed for witchcraft and are beaten, maltreated, and even burned (Chilamampunga and Thindwa 2012; Ashforth, 2015). 

The protection and support of older persons in Malawi is enshrined in the country’s constitution. It states that all people of Malawi are entitled to the equal protection of the constitution and laws made under it (Constitution of Malawi, chapter 1,4). Although the constitution is not age-specific, it provides guidance for ensuring that older persons and the vulnerable are adequately protected. For instance, Chapter Two provides for several human rights to the citizens, including older persons. The Malawi Human Rights Commission, established under section 129 of the Constitution of Malawi, is mandated specifically to promote the human rights of vulnerable groups such as the elderly (Government of Malawi, 1994). Elderly people are one of the most vulnerable members of society in Sub-Saharan Africa and are at risk of being accused of witchcraft. Community accusations of witchcraft correspond with instances of direct or indirect harm to others, such as road accidents, unemployment, infertility, and physical and mental health problems (WHRIN, 2013).

In Malawi, witchcraft accusations against elderly persons are very high, and there are many cases of witchcraft accusations in the courts. As a result, the government signed the Witchcraft Act to diminish the existence of witchcraft, which reads: “Any person who, otherwise than in laying information before a court, a police officer, a chief, or other proper authority, accuses any person with being a witch or with practicing witchcraft or names or indicates any person as being a witch or wizard shall be liable to a fine of £25 and to imprisonment of five years”  (Witchcraft Act, 2014).

An accusation of witchcraft or being a witch has many negative connotations to those who believe in it.These people often feel that it is acceptable to dehumanize a witch and act violently towards them (Mouton and Southerland, 2017).  Exodus 22:18 of the Bible admonishes Christians as follows: “thou shall not suffer a witch to live.” In different parts of Africa, many people adopted a hostile approach to witchcraft, relying on the inspiration they claim to draw from this scripture. It is with this belief that the human rights of elderly people are being violated. 

What are human rights? 

According to the United Nations, human rights are “rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.” These rights include “the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and everyone is entitled to access to these rights, without discrimination.”

Elderly people form a unique portion of society, like any other group of people. However, they are widely considered to be a vulnerable group owing to the widespread belief in their inability to protect themselves. With the changing times, an aging population, and growing concern about the welfare of the elderly, there arose a necessity for recognition of the various rights available to this section of the populace. A wide range of rights available to elderly persons were recognized and acknowledged through various national and international treaties, conventions, and other laws.

Right to life and liberty 

The right to liberty is an integral part of the right to life and implies the right to be free. In other words, everyone has the right to enjoy their life and all of their human rights within the boundaries of law and morality without arbitrary interference or deprivation of freedom. Elderly people need greater protection of this right since there is a greater chance of institutionalization as an aged person in modern society (Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 3). Witchcraft accusations clearly violate the right to life and liberty. This is seen in cases where accused elderly individuals' lives are at risk, and most of them have lost their lives due to the cruel treatment that they receive. For example, in 2024 in Chiringa, Phalombe District, an elderly woman lost her life due to a brutal beating from society because she was accused of bewitching her grandchild, which led to the death of the child. This clearly shows that an old person's right to life was violated. Even though anti-witchcraft legislation exists and every person has their rights enshrined in their Constitution regardless of their status and age, this elderly woman did not receive justice or protection. Every human being has the inherent right to life, and this right shall be protected by law. Chapter 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states that, “No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.

Right to property 

Just like any other person, elderly people have the right to own property regardless of their age. Due to malicious accusations, the right to property is violated as elders protect land, which is an asset. They are maliciously accused as a means to take land and other property from them. This right is violated as accusers grab properties from this vulnerable group. In most cases, these accusations come out of jealousy, as it is believed that old people must not possess property. This stems from the misguided belief that elderly people cannot have control and power over the properties. For instance, an old person having possession of land, which is property in most communities, brings about accusations whereby old people are accused of witchcraft so that they lose the properties they have. This shows the violation of the right to property of elderly people, as this right is denied by the community and even some close relatives who come to take over the properties belonging to an old person.

Freedom of expression

Elderly people, like any other human, possess freedom of expression and opinion. They have the right to express their views without interference. The freedom of expression is violated in times of accusations, since elderly people may be weak and fragile when they are accused. They may fail to express their thoughts in response to accusations, and at some point they may be denied access to speak and justify themselves on the matter. Therefore, freedom of expression for elderly people is denied and not accessible.

Freedom from torture

Elderly people are entitled to have freedom from torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. They have freedom from physical, mental, or other forms of torture. They have the right to a fair trial and access to justice. Witchcraft accusations violate this freedom for elderly people as we see that accused elderly people are tortured in different ways. For instance, when an accusation has happened, elderly people are beaten and chased from the community. These actions lead to isolation and being denied access to social services. Torturing elderly people stigmatizes them, which leads to depression. In Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), it is stated that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. For example, in a case in Edingeni in Mzimba, three elderly people were tortured to death because the family of a recently deceased person believed that these elderly people caused an accident in which the person died. The deceased’s family called for a witch doctor, who came to cleanse the community. In the process of cleansing, the witch doctor made the elderly people drink different traditional herbs. The herbs that they used caused these elderly people to become unconscious and later lose their lives. (Times Radio news 2025).

Right to Dignity 

The right to dignity is an indispensable component of the right to life.The right to life implies the right to live with dignity and not merely an animal existence. Human dignity is not only a right in itself but forms the basis of fundamental human rights, as treating every person with respect is the heart of human identity. It is for this reason that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, prepared by the United Nations(UN), has enshrined this principle in its preamble. Respecting the elderly and treating them with all the dignity they deserve enables their integration into society by liberating them from the clutches of discrimination. Witchcraft accusations against elderly people violate this right in a way that they are not respected, their dignity is lost, and they lose confidence in themselves as citizens of Malawi. Lack of respect and confidence affects elderly people who participate in community activities. They feel isolated and stigmatized in one way or the other. This is the reason why the Government of Malawi implemented the Witchcraft Act of 2024, which legislates how elderly people can be protected from all sorts of witchcraft accusations. 

For example, the Witchcraft Act maintains and protects the rights of older persons. It maintains and promotes the status, well-being, safety, and security of older persons. It also promotes community-based care of older persons in order to ensure that older persons remain in their homes within the community for as long as possible. The Act also regulates the registration, establishment, and management of services and residential facilities for older persons. It also  prevents, eliminates, and punishes the abuse of older persons.

Right to social security 

The Protocol of San Salvador, established in 1988, defines “social security” as “the right to be protected from the consequences of old age and disability which prevents a person, physically or mentally, from securing the means for a dignified and decent existence” It is the responsibility of the state to provide for the means of existence to the elderly. The State should enable them to lead a dignified life through various welfare schemes, policies, economic, and social benefits like pension, insurance, etc. In simple words, elderly people have the right to social security, including income security without any discrimination. The Government of Malawi, through the Witchcraft Act,protects all  older persons’ rights from all sorts of abuse and discrimination from the community.  

What are the roles of Communities, the Government, and Non-Government Organisation (NGOs) in protecting elderly people’s rights?

Fighting Against Witchcraft Accusations. It is the role of the community to fight against witchcraft accusations towards elderly people. Traditional leaders take part in sensitizing people about the effects of witchcraft against one another by using the Constitution of Malawi, as it forbids citizens from accusing someone of witchcraft. Campaigns should be conducted to fight against the accusations that elderly people face. Local authorities and traditional leaders can help in addressing the issue of accusations by ensuring anyone found accusing someone of witchcraft is punished and questioning why he or she is doing such things to others. 

Providing Social Services

The Government and NGOs should open elderly homes where older persons can feel protected. The Government should provide appropriate health care services to older persons, including services designed to minimize and prevent the occurrence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the aggravation of disabilities in old age.

Upholding Human Rights

As previously mentioned, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, established under section 129 of the Constitution of Malawi, is mandated to promote the human rights of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly (Government of Malawi, 1994). In addition, section six of Act 21 of the Constitution of Malawi clearly states the rights of older persons. It reads. An older person shall, at all times, enjoy the rights provided for under chapter IV of the constitution and, in particular, shall not unfairly be denied the right to participate in community life in any position appropriate to interests and capabilities of the older person; participate in inter-generational programs; establish and participate in structures and associations for older person; live in an environment catering for changing capacities of older person; and access opportunities that promote optimal level of social, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of older persons.

Conclusion

The Government of Malawi clearly cares for its citizens since it has created a Constitution enshrining the rights of everyone. They have identified the issue of elderly people being accused of witchcraft in their local communities. They passed the Witchcraft Act to outlaw these types of activities. These legislative acts need to be enforced so elders in these communities can feel safe, free, and happy. With all of the strife in the world, our elders should be embraced for their wisdom and support in hard times rather than being accused of occult activities so the aggrieved can enact unjust vengeance. 

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Glossary

• Aging: the time-related deterioration of the physiological functions necessary for survival and reproduction

• Human rights: rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status

• Malicious accusation: false or misleading allegations made with the intention of harming or damaging someone’s reputation, property, or well-being

• Old age: the last stage in the life process of an individual, usually accompanied by cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes

• Older person: individuals aged 60 years and over

• Social services: any of numerous publicly or privately provided services intended to aid disadvantaged, distressed, or vulnerable persons or group

• Vulnerable groups:a segment of the population that is more susceptible to experiencing harm, discrimination, or disadvantage due to various factors such as their social or economic status, or their geographic location

• Witchcraft: the use of sorcery or magic

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References

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