Madagascar Faces Alarming Surge in Brutal Murders of People with Albinism
Madagascar is facing a surge in violent attacks against people with albinism, with at least 13 murdered and decapitated this year due to dark superstitions.
A horrific wave of violence is sweeping Madagascar this year, with at least 13 people with albinism murdered and decapitated, the vast majority of them young children. The dramatic rise in cases is driven by dark superstitions that body parts of people with albinism bring wealth, political success, and good luck, as reported by The Guardian.
One of the most harrowing cases illustrating the scale of the terror occurred in late May on the outskirts of Toliara in the south of the country. Landrisia, an 18-month-old toddler, was snatched from her mother's arms near midnight by intruders who broke into their home. Police later located her body at the house of a local witch doctor and found her head hidden in a nearby suitcase.
Superstitions Fueling a Bloody Industry
Albinism is a genetic condition affecting melanin production. In sub-Saharan Africa, its prevalence is higher than in the West. In Madagascar, body parts of people with albinism are considered valuable talismans promising success. Children have become prime targets for hunting gangs due to their perceived innocence and vulnerability.
"I felt that I was the one they came for and I waited to die," recalled Nicole Soalalana, the mother of the toddler, describing the terrifying moments when attackers threatened to kill her as well.
Parents Hiding Children Indoors
Human rights organizations and health workers warn that the lethal combination of extreme poverty, huge sums of money promised for a child's body part, and deep-seated secrecy makes prevention and prosecution nearly impossible. In many communities in southern Madagascar, a paralyzing fear reigns as parents are forced to hide their children indoors for prolonged periods.
