In brief
In Papua New Guinea, the tragic consequences of accusations of sorcery are leading to brutal acts of violence against innocent victims. Amid economic frustration and limited opportunities, belief in black magic fuels a growing cycle of violence, requiring urgent attention to address the social tensions underlying these occurrences.
The recent case of a woman named Korai highlights the grim reality of sorcery allegations in Papua New Guinea. Following the death of a baby girl, a mob armed with bush knives targeted Korai, accusing her of using black magic to cause the child's demise. The terrifying assault on Korai involved brutal physical punishment; she endured hand-breaking, burns from heated metal bars, and near-fatal injuries, only surviving because her son intervened in time to call the police.Korai, now 33, still bears the physical and emotional scars of that traumatic event. “I didn’t kill her. I don’t even know what a sorcerer is,” she stated, reflecting the plight of countless others facing similar accusations. Unfortunately, her experience is not isolated. Many reports indicate that violence linked to sorcery beliefs is increasing, suggesting a grave trend in parts of the country.Experts attribute this disturbing rise in accusations to a confluence of social changes, particularly the dissonance between Papua New Guinea's rich natural resources and the economic challenges faced by many citizens. With foreign investment in sectors like mining and agriculture, local communities often experience frustration as they are left behind without viable opportunities. This economic disparity has created a landscape ripe for suspicion and scapegoating individuals deemed responsible for local misfortunes.In Port Moresby, where Korai resides, and across other areas of Papua New Guinea, the cycle of violence continues as tragedy and witch hunts intersect with cultural beliefs. There remains an urgent need to address these underlying issues—to challenge harmful beliefs and promote social cohesion before more innocent lives are lost to irrational fears and mob justice. The struggle against this tide of violence calls for a concerted effort from communities, governments, and international organizations to promote healing and understanding.
