Crime and Violence Against Albino People in Africa

Albinism is a genetic condition that causes people have very light skin, hair, and eyes because their bodies do not produce the pigment melanin. This makes them more sensitive to sun exposure and often causes vision challenges. However, in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, people with albinism face much more than health issues; they are targets of serious crimes and discrimination. 

In several African countries, particularly in East and Southern Africa, people with albinism have been killed or attacked because of false beliefs that their body parts bring luck, wealth, health, or power.  Mutilated, such as limbs or bones removed for sale or use in traditional rituals. 

Abducted or kidnapped, sometimes from their homes or while sleeping.  Victims of grave robbing, where attackers dig up graves to steal parts.  Socially ostracized, facing bullying, exclusion from education or employment, and stigma because of superstitions. 

These crimes aren’t just occasional; hundreds of violations have been reported across dozens of African countries over the last decade. 

The violence is rooted in harmful myth and superstition. In some communities.

People believe albino body parts have magic properties that can bring financial success or cure illnesses.  Some traditional healers and witch doctors promote these beliefs and even sell body parts or potions claiming miraculous effects.  The myths are completely unfounded but persist because of poverty, lack of education, and deep-seated cultural misunderstandings. 

Because of these beliefs, attackers may hunt albinos and steal them from homes alive or graves to sell body parts on black markets that sometimes stretch across borders. 

While no African country is completely free from discrimination against albino people, some places have seen particularly severe targeting.

Tanzania has been one of the most widely reported countries where albino people have been attacked, mutilated, or killed for body parts. 

Malawi has recorded over 170 attacks on people with albinism in recent years, including murders and grave desecration.  Attacks have also been documented in Burundi, Mozambique, and other nations in the region. 

In many of these countries, authorities and activists have reported that attacks decreased after awareness campaigns, but the threat still exists and can surge again. 

Hundreds of attacks have violated people’s right to life, security, and non-discrimination.  African human-rights courts have ruled that governments must protect people with albinism from discrimination and violence.  Some countries have passed laws and penalties to punish attackers, and there have been prosecutions of people involved in murders and the trafficking of body parts. 

It’s important to understand that the problem isn’t only physical violence; people with albinism often face social rejection, such as bullying at school, family abandonment, barriers to employment, and public discrimination.  In some places, albino children grow up with a fear of discrimination as well as a lack of basic healthcare like sunscreen and vision support, which are essential for their health. 

Local activists and organizations are educating communities to challenge myths. 

Crime against albino people in Africa is a serious and ongoing issue rooted in harmful myths, superstition, and discrimination. Many individuals face life-threatening attacks, social exclusion, and violation of basic human rights. Efforts by communities, governments, and international groups aim to protect albino people, educate the public, and stop the violence, but challenges remain.