Mayor Tells Sorcerers To Banish Evil Spirits

[matcom]

<snip>

NIAMEY (Reuters) - The mayor of Niger's capital has ordered "qualified" sorcerers to chase away evil spirits reported to be making terrifying appearances at night.

Nightlife lovers in Niamey have repeatedly complained of a woman who appears from nowhere, curses and threatens them before vanishing as if she had "evaporated." Young women in skimpy outfits have been particular targets for the evil spirits.

"Given the rumor which has been circulating for at least three weeks now of strange apparitions stalking people, notably young women, I have ordered all the elderly chiefs of Niamey to resort to the traditional sacrifices, with qualified people, to stop this curse," Niamey Mayor Jules Oguet said Monday.

Animist beliefs and witchcraft are widespread in West Africa and sorcerers often have a big influence on their communities.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=573&ncid=573&e=4&u=/nm/20040524/od_nm/odd_niger_sorcerers_dc

[Servo300]

1. As opposed to the "unqualified" sorcerers?

:-)

[KuroKensaki]

2. Warning--ATHEIST RHETORIC BELOW

Why critize Oguet? Our President's just as bad.

[GOPisEvil]

3. How do I know that my sorcerer is qualified?

Is there some sort of license?

:shrug: