KIRUKU : Albino Parts Can Bring Good Luck? Tell It To The Birds…

Mothers everywhere are forced to keep close watch over their albino children, who can still be violently snatched from them anyway. Wives are left grieving over their albino husbands who have been butchered like animals and their body parts sold in distant lands.

The killing of albinos has escalated not only in Malawi but right across East Africa. The situation is particularly bad in Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi. In Tanzania, for example, statistics show that one in every 1,429 births is an albino, resulting in 6,977 registered albinos.

These figures perhaps also explain why the violence meted out against albinos is highest in Tanzania. Malawi does not fare much better, with the United Nations saying15 albino attacks have been reported. Gangs have been roaming in some districts in Malawi hunting down albinos.

Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete has publicly and repeatedly condemned the witchdoctors, their helpers, middlemen, clients and members of police force involved in the killings. Persons living with albinism and their families however continue living in fear.

Retrogressive cultural and spiritual practices in the region are thus responsible for abductions and brutal murders that have to do with a condition over which the victims have no control whatsoever. If anything, albinism calls for formulation and implementation of public policies to support those with the condition to lead normal and fruitful lives.

Misconception about albino body parts

But lest anyone think that they are safe, albinos are not the only victims of witchdoctors. A few years ago, there was a spate of killings of old men and women in Kenya with red eyes, because it was said that these elderly persons were responsible for bewitching their fellow villagers. Older persons whose eyes were failing and reddened by smoke from firewood became the scapegoats for misfortunes befalling their neighbours and were promptly dispatched to the next world.

Who knows where the witchdoctors will turn their attention to next? Tall people or dwarfs? Dark-skinned or light-skinned? Illiterate or highly educated? Perhaps some ethnic community? Or will it be the deaf and dumb? Who can be safe?

It is unfortunate that the allure of wealth and power has made witches to teach misconceived ideas about acquisition of the same using albino body parts in witchcraft. Police say that a set of arms, legs, ears, and genitalia from a person with albinism can fetch as much as $75,000. This in turn has fuelled the crime to grow by leaps and bound.

The infanticide, kidnapping and dismemberment of albinos in order to supply the underground witchcraft market have now reached epidemic proportions, causing great fear and anxiety among albinos and their families. This has led to some of them relocating to urban areas where the threat is supposedly lower.

Albinos also suffer rejection, discrimination, stigma, social exclusion and ill-treatment from the general society around them. They are generally regarded as a bad omen and contact with them is assumed to bring bad luck, sickness or even death. This has led to low self-esteem and confidence, emotional and mental illness among albinos.

Openly practicing witchcraft

This calls for extensive campaigns and education of the masses across the region. Regional leaders should follow President Kikwete’s example and openly condemn the illegal business. It is paramount that all persons understand that albinos have equal rights to everyone else; their rights must not be violated at any cost.

The media can play a major role in providing this education. Production of movies, films, pamphlets and other materials, and the distribution of the same in schools, hospitals and other public places need to be prioritized. Non-governmental organizations, too, should not be left behind in these efforts.

The five partner states must do more to protect persons living with albinism. It is inconceivable that there should be people openly practicing witchcraft in this day and age. A crackdown is surely in order.

Severe deterrent punishment for those perpetuating the vice should now be applied. Anybody taking part in causing misery to albinos, or indeed any section of society, should be vigorously pursued in accordance with the law. No efforts should be spared in protecting albinos.

All those who have suffered marginalization, including women, must rally to support the cause of albinos. After all, they are our children, and who knows who is next on the witchdoctors’ radar?

By Anne Kiruku

Courtesy: East African News Agency