Children accused of witchcraft find solace in east Congo shelter

A Congolese child, Ornella, attends a Reuters interview within the enclosure at the Eka Bana Center, financed by Caritas, which takes in children accused of witchcraft also known as child-witches in the outskirts of Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo February 4, 2023. REUTERS/Crispin Kyalangalilwa

BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - After Ornella lost several family members within three years, relatives and neighbours in her east Congo village of Kabare began suspecting the 14-year-old girl of witchcraft.

The hushed rumours and purifying rituals that ensued prompted one of Ornella's brothers to take her to the police, concerned about the consequences that the allegations could have on his sibling.