For decades, hundreds of women in the north of Ghana have been accused of witchcraft—a label that has stripped them of their homes, families, and dignity. Branded as outcasts, many are banished to remote camps where they endure extreme poverty, inadequate shelter, and limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare. A year ago a report by Amnesty International, Branded for Life: How Witchcraft Accusations Lead to Human Rights Violations of Hundreds of Women in North Ghana, exposed the systemic failures that leave these women trapped in cycles of abuse and neglect. 

In this episode – we explore their stories, which reveal the deep trauma of banishment, the struggle for survival, and the resilience that keeps them going. 

More reading; 

Read their full stories in our report Branded for Life and join the call for justice. 

Watch our virtual exhibition,  

In the episode we speak to Ugandan lawyers and human rights activists, Eron Kiiza and Agather Atuhaire following the country’s general elections in January.

The electoral process was marred by claims of rights abuses by security officials.

Two days before elections, the government ordered a blanket internet shutdown.

Amnesty International is running a campaign for the release of opposition politician Kizza Besigye to allow him medical care.

Further reading: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/01/uganda-internet-shutdown/ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/01/uganda-authorities-subjecting-opposition-supporters-to-brutal-campaign-of-repression-ahead-of-elections/ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2025/08/eron-kiiza-ugandan-civilians-must-not-be-tried-in-military-courts/ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/05/tanzania-torture-and-forcible-deportation-of-kenyan-and-ugandan-activists-must-be-urgently-investigated/ Take Action: Write to President Yoweri Museveni asking him to urge his government to immediately release Dr Besigye so that he can receive urgent medical care.

Content warning: Episode contains content related to gender-based violence (GBV), including descriptions and depictions of abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of harm, which may be sensitive or distressing for some listeners. 

A special edition of the Amnesty in Africa Podcast focusing on 16 days of activism against.This episode brings together gender rights activists from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa to discuss Gender Based Violence in the countries as well as in Africa.  

The episode opens up with excerpts from “Free Me” a play by Kenyan producer Gathoni Kimuyu, who tells about her abuse as well as her escape.  

We then sit down with Dr. Mandipa Machacha from Amnesty International based in South Africa, Njeri Migwi from Usikimye in Kenya and Rumbidzayi Makoni from Action Aid based in Zimbabwe. 

Comment les autorités tchadiennes manquent à leur devoir de protéger le droit à la vie, à la vérité, à la justice et aux réparations de milliers de personnes dans un contexte de plus en plus graves conflits entre éleveurs et agriculteurs, et comment les sociétés civiles à travers l'Afrique et dans le monde entier peuvent soutenir notre campagne.

In this episode, our West and Central Africa Regional Office lead the conversation. Chadian authorities have failed to protect the right to life, to thousands of people amid worsening conflicts between herders and farmers. Support the campaign @amnesty.org

Tanzania goes to the polls amid a deepening human rights crisis. What are Amnesty International's human rights priorities ahead, during and after the polls?

New report, out now

https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr56/0376/2025/en/

Adozinda Esmeralda Maviga, talks about how young people in Mozambique are taking a stand, defending human rights, advocating for electoral integrity, and envisioning a better future for their country.

Part 1

How Madagascar is failing climate changed induced displaced persons from the Androy region and why France needs moral courage to face its colonial past and the role it has played in the cyclical droughts.

New report out now

Part two

We bid farewell to Deprose Muchena and Sarah Jackson. They reflect on their time at Amnesty International and what they think are Africa's key priority human rights issues.

Omhle Ntishingila started her activism while at the university.  She now spends her time defending the right to protest in her home country South Africa.

Omhle Ntishingila started her activism while at the university.  She now spends her time defending the right to protest in her home country South Africa.