The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi says government lacks interest in scaling up efforts to end various forms of torture that people with albinism are facing in the country.
The sentiments come at a time when unknown assailants tortured and hacked the toes of a defenseless 92 year old woman in Mzimba district.
In reaction to the incident which it describes as worrisome and disheartening, the albino rights body shoulders blame on government on the cases of albino attacks.
According to a statement from APAM the attack on Tafwauli Ngoma who is in agony at Jenda rural hospital demonstrates continued failure by government to protect its citizens.
In addition, with fresh presidential elections looming, the association says people with albinism are yet again feeling insecure.
This is in line with findings by the un suggest that some traditional doctors tell contestants that using some body parts of albinos in fetish rituals would see them win.
The study argued that often times, attacks on albinos which include verbal assault skyrocket ahead of any national election in Malawi.
In an interview, the association’s President Ian Simbota wondered why at this time, government is yet to release a report on an inquiry it instituted last year over the killings and torture of people with albinism.
Despite pressure for several human rights bodies, government has kept a tight lid on when it would release the report which was due in April 2019.
“It is an indication of a failed government. We have never been safe, now with the fresh elections we are more insecure,” said Simbota.
Since 2014, there have been cases of attacks, abduction and killings of albinos in Malawi in the wake of rise of superstitions that albino body parts are used to make people successful and rich as assisted by witch doctors.
The belief has stated that most doctors demanding this come from Mozambique although the government there has declined of that connection.
