The Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organizations (MANEPO) has hailed the Catholic Bishops in Malawi for their steadfast advocacy in protecting the rights of older persons, calling on society to unite in safeguarding this vulnerable population.
On March 9, 2025, the bishops issued a Pastoral Letter titled “Who Will Roll Away the Stone for Us?” addressing pressing social and governance challenges.
The letter, among others, strongly condemned the escalating violence against older persons, particularly in rural areas, where older people, especially women, face brutal torture and killings fueled by accusations of witchcraft.
The bishops identified witchcraft allegations as a root cause of these attacks and urged traditional and religious leaders to collaborate with the government to eliminate such harmful practices.
They emphasized the need for collective action to protect elderly citizens and uphold their dignity.
MANEPO Executive Director Andrew Kavala echoed the bishops’ concerns, highlighting the dangerous societal beliefs that perpetuate violence against older persons.
“Elderly individuals are unjustly scapegoated, even accused of preventing rainfall. As a nation, we must reject these baseless claims and end this cycle of abuse,” Kavala asserted.
He also reminded perpetrators of violence that aging is inevitable, stating, “Those who harm the elderly today may face similar treatment tomorrow.”
The bishops further appealed to young people to actively defend elderly rights and challenge the stereotypes driving these attacks.
During his address at the 2024 National Youth Conference in Blantyre, Bishop Martin Mtumbuka vehemently denounced the normalization of witchcraft accusations, urging the church and society to dismantle these destructive beliefs.
“It is our moral duty to protect our elders and foster a culture of respect and compassion,” Bishop Mtumbuka declared.
MANEPO reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with faith leaders, communities, and policymakers to advance the rights and safety of Malawi’s elderly population.
