adminDAR ES SALAAM. — Tanzanian police banned a demonstration yesterday to protest against attacks and murders of albinos, fuelling concerns that authorities are not committed to ending violence against albinos whose body parts are highly valued in witchcraft.
The protest, organised by the Tanzania Albinism Society, initially received police approval amid growing anger over the lack of protection for albinos in the wake of the recent abduction and suspected killing of two albino children.
A one-year-old boy, Yohana Bahati, was snatched from his home in Tanzania’s north-western Geita region last month. His body was found days later with his limbs severed. A four-year-old girl kidnapped in December in Mwanza region is still missing.
United Nations officials estimate about 75 albinos have been killed in the east African nation since 2000 and have voiced fears of rising attacks ahead of an election this year as aspiring politicians seek good luck charms from witch doctors.
Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Suleiman Kova was not immediately available to comment on the banning of the demonstration scheduled for March 3 that was designed to call on President Jakaya Kikwete to step up action to protect albinos. — Reuters.
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