LILONGWE — Human rights advocates in Africa are sounding the alarm over the impending visit of Nigerian televangelist Apostle Johnson Suleman to Malawi, scheduled for July.
Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, is known for his controversial faith healing claims and frequent sermons focused on witchcraft and demonic possession.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), a campaign group working to end witch persecution in Africa, issued a public statement on Thursday urging Malawians to be vigilant and critical of Suleman’s message.
The group’s director, Leo Igwe, warned that Suleman’s preaching style could inflame tensions and endanger vulnerable individuals already at risk of being accused of witchcraft.
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“In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Suleman claimed to have healed patients suffering from the virus. He was challenged to provide evidence or demonstrate his abilities but failed to do so,” Igwe said.
“He also claimed to have helped someone enter a European country without a visa — essentially bragging about enabling a crime.”
According to Igwe, Suleman’s sermons are laced with fear-mongering and spiritual manipulation.
Online videos show him conducting dramatic exorcism sessions with titles such as ‘War Against Witchcraft’ and ‘Don’t Let Witches Dictate Your Destiny.’
Malawi has witnessed a surge in witchcraft accusations and mob violence in recent years, often targeting the elderly and marginalised.
AfAW fears that Suleman’s visit could exacerbate the situation, fueling superstitions and legitimising harmful practices under the guise of religion.
“Malawians should not allow Suleman to sway them with his gospel of lies and deceit,” the AfAW statement concluded.
There has been no official comment yet from Suleman or Omega Fire Ministries regarding the controversy surrounding the visit. Local authorities and faith leaders in Malawi have also not issued statements about the planned event.
Suleman remains a divisive figure across Africa, hailed by followers as a prophet but criticised by rights activists for promoting dangerous ideologies under the banner of faith.