Hunted, abandoned and murdered

In Burundi, people with albinism are being hunted down, killed, and their body parts sold to witch-doctors, to be on-sold as charms to bring fortune. A Lutheran program supports those most at risk, including Cyprien Kajisho…

“We were told the enemies came looking for us, we albinos. They want to kill us and take parts of our body. They take this to Tanzania to the witch doctors. The most important parts they want are the legs, arms and head.

I came here because I was fleeing the enemies who were chasing us. They came to launch an attack. I never saw them. I just heard they were coming. I was told they come during the night. Someone in the next community was abducted during the night. So we took flight to the commune headquarters, then we were brought here to Ruyigi. We were given a house next to the headquarters, but our number grew and so we came here. I heard these enemies come from Tanzania. The biggest market for body parts they say is in Mwanza.”

Even the children are hunted

ALWS staff received an e-mail near the end of October, 2010 from Lutheran staff in Burundi.  Here is part of it:

I write to you today with some disheartening news: On the night of October 13th, three-year-old albino Thierry Bizimana, who lives in our project area, was kidnapped from his home. In the process, the assailants killed his 70-year-old grandmother who was caring for him and his seven-year-old sister. Though the child has not been located yet, he is presumed dead.

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THE CRISIS

People with albinism fear for their lives as gangs of smugglers abduct albinos in Burundi, and kill them for body parts they sell to witch-doctors in neighbouring Tanzania. Arms, legs and heads are believed to bring wealth, and protect assets. Hair, nails and blood are also sold. In the last 6 months, at least 10 albinos have been killed – from children as young as 6 to adults. Up to 50 albinos, from babies to old people live at a Government centre in Ruyigi for protection. They begged our Lutheran team for help.

Your help through ALWS includes:

1. People at risk receive rice and tools to prove they are productive members of community. Provide psycho-social support through trained counsellors.
2. Hire armed guards and use Lutheran vehicles to escort victims to visit their families and restore links.
3. Work with National Council of Churches to advocate for justice, break down superstition, and encourage community to provide safety.
4. People with albinism are integrated into the broader long-term Lutheran healing and livelihood development program for Burundi.
5. Volunteer Community Workers help change attitudes to bring peace and healing, developing leaders, and teaching skills to increase income.

ALWS support for people with albinism is part of the wider Burundian Community Empowerment Program, encompassing support for many marginalised and disadvantaged peoples.  Read more here.