Keep politics out of the plight of albinos
IGP Mangu
What you need to know:
It is estimated that about 100 people in the vulnerable community, estimated at between 50,000 and 100,000, have been killed since 2000.
It is time we approached the plight of albinos as a crisis that should be pursued on the same scale as a war. People with albinism are not only kidnapped but also mutilated and killed regularly. It is estimated that about 100 people in the vulnerable community, estimated at between 50,000 and 100,000, have been killed since 2000.
They live in great fear because they could be the next targets of criminals hunting albino body parts, in the false belief that they are ingredients for charms that guarantee great wealth and very fast.All people of goodwill have a duty to join this campaign against the greedy and murderous criminals who seemingly have no conscience.
Victory can only be secured if the warriors among us rally to this common cause. More importantly, it must be properly charted and carried out rationally. In this context, the recent sentiments by the Mwanza regional secretary for the Tanzania Albino Society (TAS), Mr Mashaka Tuju, are emotive and off the mark.
He said, at a public function in Mwanza on Wednesday, that TAS was upset with CCM for supposed indifference to their plight. Mr Tuju said the community was tempted to ditch the party in the next general election and support the opposition party that comes up with effective strategies for protecting them.
We understand his pain, but politicising the issue apportions blame unfairly and may weaken the campaign. TAS is not a CCM affiliate and does not vote as a bloc. Superstitious beliefs cut across party lines and criminals do not target or spare potential victims on the basis of party membership.
Tackling crimes against albinos is primarily the responsibility of the police force, which counts on co-operation from wananchi who belong to different parties. Some may not even be members of any party. CCM may be dethroned and another party could rise to power, form the next government and chart more effective strategies.
In tackling crises, there must be distinct lines between the government and political parties.
