The Ongoing Tragedy of Child Sacrifice in Sub-Saharan Africa
Each day, numerous children go missing across Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite being illegal under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other human rights agreements, the horrifying practice of ritual killings and human sacrifice continues. Reports have documented these practices in countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Swaziland, Liberia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Mali.
This gruesome practice involves the extraction of body parts, blood, or tissue from living children—often leading to their death. Many of these children are kidnapped specifically for these rituals.
The Issue
Rural districts near Kampala, Uganda’s capital, have been severely affected by the abduction of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, for sacrificial purposes. Although some claim this practice is rooted in tradition, it is a modern development that exploits traditional medicine, which around eighty percent of the population depends on. Entire villages live in fear as these horrific acts continue. In response, communities have set up roadside posters, awareness workshops, and alert systems to warn children and families about the dangers posed by individuals abducting children for sacrifice.
The Motive
Traditional healers, often referred to as witch doctors, claim to communicate with mythical spirits on behalf of their clients. In return for payment, they perform rituals that they believe will appease these spirits. Initially, sacrifices involve animals such as chickens or goats, but when these do not bring the desired prosperity, the spirits are said to demand human sacrifices.
Child sacrifice is believed to bring health, wealth, and protection from misfortune. In many cases, witch doctors manipulate their clients by setting them impossible tasks, ensuring they appear blameless when results do not materialize. As a result, child sacrifice has evolved into a lucrative business, driven by greed and desperation. The demand for instant riches fuels a dark market where children are bought and sold like commodities, transforming this once-superstitious act into a horrifying commercial enterprise.
Causes
Children are often targeted because they are vulnerable and easy to abduct. Additionally, they are considered “pure” in spiritual terms, making them highly valued for sacrificial rituals. Some parents intentionally scar or mark their children to make them ineligible for sacrifice, hoping this will protect them.
In extreme cases, desperate families have even given up their children to witch doctors in exchange for money. The belief that sacrificing a child brings prosperity and success has led to tragic cases where parents, driven by financial hardship, become complicit in this barbaric act.
The Process of Child Sacrifice
Before resorting to child sacrifice, witch doctors often attempt other methods such as herbal remedies or animal offerings. However, when these fail, human sacrifice is introduced as the most potent solution.
The process typically involves:
- Identifying and abducting a child
- Extracting specific body parts
- Creating potions with the extracted parts
- Disposing of the child’s body, if necessary
Some rituals involve draining the child’s blood to be used in medicines or mixed with herbs. Others require burying the child—either whole or in part—under a new building’s foundation to bring good fortune.
Survivors and Lasting Impact
Those who survive such rituals often face lifelong physical and psychological scars. Many endure severe mutilation, including deep scars on their heads, necks, or bodies. Genital mutilation is also common, leading to urinary complications and disrupted puberty. The emotional trauma affects their ability to form normal relationships, and families struggle with the financial burden of medical care.
A Call to Action
Beyond being a human rights crisis, this is a deep spiritual issue. We urge all people of faith to stand together and pray against this curse. Additionally, we call on the community and all people of goodwill to take action. Protecting children is not just about shielding them from hunger and disease—it is about safeguarding them from the horrific crime of human sacrifice. Together, we must work to ensure that no child falls victim to these brutal practices.