Tanzania’s Search for a Two-Year-Old Albino Girl Deepens, Three Suspects Detained

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a recent development concerning the disappearance of the two-year-old albino girl, Asimwe Novath, Tanzanian authorities have detained three individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.

As investigations continue into the harrowing abduction that took place on May 30, 2024, in Mbale Hamlet, Bulamula Village, Muleba district, significant strides are being made to bring justice to the affected family.

According to Judith Richard, the distraught mother of the abducted child, the perpetrators deceitfully presented themselves as individuals in need of urgent assistance after a snake bite. Tragically, this ruse led to the violent snatching of Asimwe from her family's care.

"They came to my door, appearing desperate for help. I never imagined they would bring such harm to my innocent child," recounted Judith Richard, her voice trembling with anguish.

Speaking on behalf of the law enforcement efforts, Yusuph Daniel, the acting regional police commander, reassured the public of the diligent pursuit of justice.

"Our officers are closely following up on this matter. We call upon good citizens to promptly provide us with information whenever they hear anything," emphasized Daniel, highlighting the community's crucial role in aiding the investigation.

Shockingly, among the detained individuals is the father of the missing child, underscoring the complexity of the case. However, authorities remain resolute in their pursuit of truth and justice.

In response to the alarming trend of attacks against individuals with albinism, Dr. Abel Nyamahanga, the Muleba District Commissioner, has taken proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Directing village officials to conduct a census aimed at identifying households with albino individuals, Dr. Nyamahanga emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all citizens.

"The pain of giving birth to an albino child is no different from that of giving birth to any other child. They are all children, so mothers should recognize that there is no difference," affirmed Dr. Nyamahanga, echoing sentiments of inclusivity and compassion.

However, the international community has raised concerns over Tanzania's response to such atrocities. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities criticized Tanzania's failure to adequately address and investigate attacks against individuals with albinism, signaling potential violations of human rights obligations.

"We regret Tanzania’s unwillingness to follow up on three petitions filed to the committee concerning the mutilation of people with albinism and the lack of accountability for such abuses," expressed the UN Committee, highlighting the urgency for action.

Violence against individuals with albinism stems from deep-rooted superstitions and beliefs in witchcraft, driving a lucrative market for albino body parts. Despite efforts to combat these beliefs, ingrained cultural perceptions continue to endanger the lives of vulnerable individuals.

Renowned investigative journalist Richard Mgamba commented on the societal implications of such atrocities, stating, "These incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive societal change and accountability measures to protect vulnerable populations."

As Tanzanian authorities intensify their efforts to combat this phenomenon, the global community watches closely, advocating for justice and protection for individuals with albinism across the region.

The plight of individuals with albinism in Africa is a deeply concerning issue, marked by stigma, discrimination, and violence. Africans with albinism often endure the burden of being perceived as different due to their unique skin color and the associated disabilities of low vision or blindness.

 Albinism, a rare inherited condition affecting the pigment in the eyes, hair, and skin, presents significant challenges for affected individuals, including heightened risks of skin cancer and impaired eyesight.

Estimates suggest that the prevalence of albinism in Africa ranges from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 15,000, with Tanzania reporting a prevalence of 1 in 1,500. Despite the relatively low prevalence, individuals with albinism face substantial health and social issues, including barriers to education and social inclusion.

Interventions such as special schools, sun protection measures, and outreach clinics aim to address these challenges and provide support to affected individuals. While attacks against people with albinism have long been documented in the Great Lakes district of East Africa, they have gained increased attention in recent years.

The violence, first reported by Tanzanian media in 2006, has since garnered international scrutiny, with reports of similar incidents in neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, and Swaziland.

The escalation of violence against people with albinism is deeply troubling, with traditional beliefs in witchcraft driving these heinous acts.

Witchdoctors and contract killers perpetrate attacks to meet the demand for albino body parts, which are believed to bring wealth and fortune. The commodification of albino body parts reflects broader societal upheavals, including economic transitions and rapid modernization.

Renowned investigative journalist Richard Mgamba has shed light on the cultural and socioeconomic factors fueling violence against people with albinism. Mgamba's work underscores the urgent need for comprehensive societal change and accountability measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Media coverage of these atrocities often frames them as cultural phenomena driven by superstitions and traditional beliefs. Beliefs in the supernatural power of albino body parts are pervasive, with some individuals seeking personal success and power through the exploitation of albino individuals.

In response to these challenges, advocacy groups such as Under the Same Sun (UTSS) have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support to individuals with albinism. However, systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of violence and discrimination against this marginalized community.

Tanzanian authorities' intensified efforts to combat violence against people with albinism demand solidarity from the global community. Together, we must advocate for justice and protection for individuals with albinism across the region, especially in light of the recent abduction incident in Kagera.