Kikwete Pledges To End Albino Killings

President Kikwete acknowledged that albinos in Tanzania have faced death threats in the past.

"I am shocked and saddened at the sudden upsurge in these macabre killings," Kikwete was quoted as saying in a TV address.

Albino people, who suffer lack of pigment in their skin, have faced attacks for their body parts which witchdoctors believe bring good luck and wealth.

The President said such beliefs were false and fuelled the "ongoing evil".

“I believe with the close co-operation between the government and society, we will succeed in ending these killings of with albinism and rid our nation of this shame.”

According to a BBC report, the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) had planned to march to State House in Dar es Salaam on Monday to deliver a message to President Kikwete but the police banned the demonstration citing security reasons.

The President said he was ready to meet albino leaders and campaigners at a later date to discuss possible solutions to the killings.

Last month, an albino toddler was found dead with all his limbs hacked off and a young girl with albinism has been missing since December.

The government banned witchdoctors in January as part of its efforts to prevent further attacks and kidnappings.

According to the Red Cross, witchdoctors are prepared to pay US $75,000 for a complete set of albino body parts.

At least 75 people living with albinism in Tanzania have been killed in targeted attacks since 2000.

Albinism affects around one in every 1,400 Tanzanians, far higher than average.

Source: BBC