Tackle albino atrocities—EU
European Union Ambassador Sandra Paesen has called for serious criminal investigations and coordination among countries to fight abductions and killings of people with albinism.
Speaking when she interacted with members of Nyika Media Club in Mzuzu on Monday, Paesen said finger pointing will not solve the vice which has left a dent on Malawi.
Her remarks come at a time when the opposition and civil society organisations (CSOs) have been accusing government of failing to deal with the vice, while President Peter Mutharika continues to hit back at such criticism, saying government is doing all it can to curb the vice, and that it is every one’s duty to fight the killings.
However, Paesen, while not mentioning names, said what is needed is for the country to intensify criminal investigations.
She said: “These days, when discussing Malawi, the European Parliament never discusses the warm heart of Africa, the fantastic population, its peaceful nature or potential for growth, they never discuss that. The only thing they discuss is Malawi and crimes against persons with albinism.
“It could be that the countries of the region have to work together to track down these networks, if indeed we are talking about networks. But finger pointing will not take us anywhere. We need scientific analysis and criminal investigations is what is going to help us.”
Paesen noted that many Malawians do not understand where the problem is coming from, hence; the need to understand its roots.
“The police service is doing their investigations and we are all eagerly waiting for the results of these investigations. But at the same time, we need to create awareness that albinism is a purely genetic condition. That’s all, nothing more to it.
“No one in Malawi condones these atrocities. It is wrong to say that this is the culture, belief or tradition. I am not convinced, because this is a crime,” she said.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Lazarus Chakwera said during a press briefing in Lilongwe last week said President Peter Mutharika should stop being “a coward” and deal with the atrocities once and for all. He said his administration would end the attacks, abductions and killings of persons with albinism if voted into government during the May 21 Tripartite Elections.
But Mutharika, speaking during the commissioning of the $50 million (about K36 billion) World Bank-funded Kamuzu Barrage and bridge on Monday in Liwonde, said by not providing the solution now, his critics have no solution.
He said: “The issue of abduction and killings of persons with albinism is complex and is disheartening. When such reports started, I sent the Inspector General of Police to Rwanda and Tanzania to learn how our colleagues have managed to contain the problem. They came up with a National Action Plan which, among others, recommended that police units be constructed in all areas to increase security.
“It is sad that someone is saying I am a coward and that I am doing nothing to deal with the issue. Let me warn you, do not politicise this issue.”
Since November 2014, the number of reported crimes against people with albinism in Malawi has risen to 152 cases, including 25 murders and more than 10 people missing, according to Association of People with Albinism in Malawi.
