The Albinism Murders in Tanzania
At Least 28 Slain; Body Parts Used in Witchdoctors’ Get-Rich Potion
Sep 30, 2008
On April 3, 2008, BBC News first reported on the murders of persons with albinism motivated by witchdoctors peddling a get-rich potion made from the legs, hair, hands, and blood of persons with the genetic condition.
There are 26 confirmed deaths, many taking place in the city of Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria. The National Organization of Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) says the number could be as high as 60, based on estimates from the Tanzania Albino Society (TAS). The youngest victim so far is a seven-month old baby.
Tanzanian police say more than 170 people have been taken into custody for attacks on those with albinism but so far, no one has been prosecuted. (Ian Evans, Daily Mail Online, July 23, 2008)
According to a report by Al Jazeera (August 1, 2008), the legs are the most prized and are believed to bring wealth to miners, while hair attached to fishing nets is supposed to induce a good catch.
Though Prevalent Throughout Africa, Albinism Elicits Ancient, Ongoing Prejudice
Albinism is the genetic inability to produce melanin, the dark pigment that colors the skin, hair, and eyes. In Tanzania, albinism produces blond hair and pinkish complexions; those with the condition sunburn easily and face greater risk of skin cancer—another facet of ongoing education efforts.
In Tanzania, albinism occurs about once in every 4,000 births, far above the world average of one in 20,000. A recent World Health Organization report gave prevalence rates of between 1 in 15,000 in Nigeria to as many as 1 in 1,000 in the Tonga tribe of Zimbabwe. (Evans, Daily Mail)
Despite its prevalence, albinism is stigmatized with the widespread belief that the condition results from a curse put on the family. People with albinism are often referred to as "Zeru Zeru" (ghosts). Many families hide afflicted family members for fear of societal rejection or murder. (BBC News Online)
Impoverished parents sometimes sell children with albinism, according to Theodore Mwalongo, head of the Tanzanian arm of Action on Disability and Development. (Claire Soares, The Independent, April 4, 2008)
Less than a century ago, many infants with albinism were seen as proof of a woman's adultery with a European man, and killed.
“The Under The Same Sun Fund” Rallies Support
The Under The Same Sun Fund, a Canadian nonprofit launched by businessman and NOAH member Peter Ash, and Rick Guidotti, who has photographed persons with albinism around the world for his Positive Exposure project, will travel to Tanzania the week of October 21st.
Their “mission of mercy” will include offering aid in facilitating albinism education and meetings with senior government officials to whom they hope to present petitions with thousands of signatures from the worldwide albinism community, including NOAH, based in Hampstead, New Hampshire.
Tanzania Government Struggles to Curb Violence
In March, Tanzania president Jakaya Kikwete ordered a crackdown on witchdoctors and announced plans to register persons with albinism to improve safety. To enhance albinism’s public image, he appointed Ms. Alshimaa Kwegyir (who has albinism) as a Member of Parliament. (Al Jazeera, August 1, 2008)
The TAS has registered 8,000 persons with albinism and believes there may be as many as 175,000 in Tanzania, which has a population of 35 million.
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