Imetosha: The struggle to end albino killings

Albino killings have become so rampant over the past couple of years, but in recent months the issue of albino killings has ascended to the category of a prominent problem in the country prompting various activists, politicians and the general public to react to the this bulging problem. Not only are families left without loved one, Tanzania’s image to the world as a peaceful nation which adheres to ideologies such as ujamaa has become deeply tainted.

Albinism can be defined as a genetic condition inherited from both parents. It is characterized by a deficiency in pigmentation in the skin, eyes and hair. It is more common in East Africa, which is believed to be the place where the gene responsible for albinism originated.

Just recently, this paper quoted President Kikwete describing the recent spate of killings and mutilation of people with albinism as a disgrace to the country and in no way tolerable, challenging everyone to do more to end the barbarism which is associated with witchcraft beliefs.

According to President Kikwete, between 2006 and 2015, 139 suspects had been apprehended and 35 cases filed. Some 73 suspects had so far been acquitted while 15 others had been found guilty of their charges.

Founding Imetosha

The current albino killings have pushed Henry Mdimu 38, a journalist at Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) living with albinism, to come up with Imetosha Movement aiming at changing negative mindsets and socio-cultural stereotypes about albinism in Tanzania. He also serves as an Ambassador of the movement.

“For the past ten years I have been silent knowing there are organizations dealing with challenges that face us (people with albinism). However, the problem is growing. And as we are talking the situation is getting worse as some of our close relatives and even parents are accused of being responsible for albino killings,” says Mdimu.

With the rising number of incidents as per available statistics, he has decided to come up with Imetosha Movement. A movement focusing more on the change of mind set so that people with albinism won’t be killed anymore.

Mdimu started this movement just a month ago. Social media helped him to get his friends together by posting on his accounts on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. After laying ground for Imetosha, Mdimu then called for a press conference where people convened and Imetosha’s way forward was highlighted.

Mdimu got a group of 38 friends who volunteered to support his movement. From the first meeting, Whatsapp group called Imetosha Movement was formed to make communication easy.

“During the first meeting I made it clear to the group that my intention is to change people’s mind-set – those who believe that body parts of people with albinism are beneficial in one way or another,” says Mdimu.

Adding, “It was not hard to get people to support me as majority of my friends are also against the albino killings. A week later I and the committee team with 14 people had a press conference to introduce the movement”.

As part of introducing Imetosha movement to the community, Mdimu, along with his friends managed to print T-shirts that are being sold at Sh20,000 each to raise funds that will help the movement progress further in its cause to help people living with albinism feel safe in their own country. At the moment, most of the duties done by Imetosha are implemented through personal funds from Mdimu and his peers.

During the last famed football match between Dar’s soccer giants Young Africans and their arch rivals Simba, Imetosha managed to have both teams wear T-shirts with words “Imetosha” written on the front. “They wore the T-shirts when entering the football pitch. I also had an opportunity to say something about Imetosha Movement on that day”, recalls Mdimu; stating that he is happy with the response from people. Many people are willing to support the movement in one way or another. “I am happy that people are responding positively and they are willing to support the movement. On that day I and the committee also distributed fliers with messages against killings of people with albinism,” says Mdimu.

Charity walk

Currently there’s a charity walk being organized by Imetosha to take place on 21st March, which aims at raising funds for awareness about the plight of albinos in Tanzania. The movement will consist of media interaction, SMS campaign, school charity events, and door-to-door corporate mobilization

According to Mdimu, the walk will be 5 kilometres long from Leaders club, the route goes around Kinondoni and then back to Leaders club where the guest of honour, to former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi will be in attendance.

“After the walk we will light 100 candles to remember people with albinism who lost their lives in the hands of vicious killers. These are victims from 2006 until today. On that day we will also auction an Image by John Nduguru to help the movement raise money to go to Lake Zone, especially Geita to educate people so that we help them change their mind-set”, speaks Mdimu.

Musicians are also part of the movement. They are currently recording their songs on albino killings. The songs will be compiled in one album that will also be sold on the charity walk day to raise funds.

Popular musicians such as Jhikoman, Kassim Mganga, Profesa J, Ray C, Fid Q, Roma Mkatoliki and Danii Msimamo etc, will also join the movement in Geita to entertain people before the committee proceeds with its main duty of educating people that it’s wrong to believe that body parts of people with albinism can bring you luck.

Commenting on the movement, John Ndunguru, a famed artist said that he is so touched by the unfortunate events of albino killings and he is profoundly against such acts. For this reason, he has given his work to be auctioned during the walk and the money should go directly to Imetosha Movement to support the trip to Lake Zone. “I am happy I have supported this movement in one way or another,” says Ndunguru.

Trip to Lake Zone

“The trip to Lake Zone is expected to be early April. The trip will include house to house visits. Translation of languages from Swahili to Sukuma will be available to help people understand better the message being imparted”, says Mdimu.

In connection to the witchcraft believes, The Citizen reported that, the United Nations has condemned the wave of albino killings in Tanzania, warning that the upsurge could be linked to the forthcoming General Election campaigns.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, also noted concerns of similar attacks in neighbouring countries of Burundi and Malawi. Mr Hussein expressed disgust at the barbaric killings in recent times and singled out Tanzania, Burundi and Malawi as countries where the lives of people with albinism are at risk.

He said the violence had left many people with albinism in the region living in abject fear as their body parts are sought-after to be used for witchcraft. Remarkably, he warned that the surge in Tanzania could be linked to looming general and presidential elections in October this year, as political campaigners may be turning to influential sorcerers to improve their odds.

“These attacks are often stunningly vicious, with children in particular being targeted,” he said.

He noted that in the past six months, at least 15 people with albinism in Tanzania, Malawi and Burundi have been abducted, wounded, killed or escaped being kidnapped, including three such attacks in the past week alone.

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