By Jackson Gaaniko
Azande king, His Majesty, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, is moving to abolish witchcraft practices in his kingdom.
King Rikito vowed to ban the traditional bewitching act in the Azande kingdom due to its detrimental impact on the lives of the common people.
He made the statement during the day of prayers organized by the World Vision, in Yambio, Western Equatoria’s capital, South Sudan, on Monday.
The prayer was held under the theme of strength and courage in Christ: ‘’The GOD of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you’’ 1 Peter 5; 10.
While addressing hundreds of World Vision staff, visitors to the kingdom, and palace workers, King Rikito said the use of magic or supernatural powers on others to inflict harm or misfortune on them remains the most common issue among the people.
The king lauded World Vision, saying it was his first time to see an organization organizing a prayer ceremony.
He noted that in numerous states and countries around the world, witchcraft-related beliefs and practices have resulted in serious violations of human rights, including beatings, banishment, cutting of body parts, amputation of limbs, torture, and murder.
“But for us Azande kingdom, we don’t allow such behaviors, only that they will be arrested and taken to the Garden of the Kingdom,” said King Rikito.
The MAYUWA area in Bangasu Payam, 35 miles away from Yambio town, has been identified as a place to keep those that will be found doing the forbidden witch act.
“This is where they will be working on a big farm for the kingdom, farming, and cultivating big yards in order to reduce the culture of bewitching in our society.”
The king said the devil gives magic powers to witches, but he urged Christians not to believe in them.
A committee drafting the constitution for the kingdom has been notified to draft the constitution governing the Azande kingdom to make sure that every area will be guided and respected.
For his part, the zonal program manager for World Vision, Mr. Angelo Achuil, said on October 1st, every year, World Vision staff members across the globe join together for a day dedicated to praying for the children and communities they serve, as well as for donors who make their work possible.
“I was assigned by World Vision to come and be the zonal program manager in the Yambio branch office, which is why it is important for me to celebrate this important day together with the king of Azande Kingdom,” said Angelo.
“We are Christians and believe in God; that is why every year we celebrate and thank God Almighty,” he added.
He noted that as World Vision, they shall work and support every area of their projects, whether it be education, health, culture, peace, or the rights of everyone.