DO NO HARM ON PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM AND THE ELDERLY

Principal Civic Education Officer in the Department of Civic Education Evelyn Sumani has urged communities in Dowa District to refrain from abusing elderly people and people with albinism.

Addressing the masses at Mvera Market on Saturday, Sumani indicated that records show that during an election period, a significant number of people with albinism and the elderly fall victim to several barbaric actions.

“102 of 216 of all albinism-related cases in Malawi happened during the previous campaign periods”

“The Malawi police data indicates that 49 attacks against persons with albinism happened during the 2018 to 2020 election cycle and 57 attacks happened during the 2014 to 2015 election period.

Sumani attributed the latter to cultural beliefs saying people in communities believe that bones for people with albinism once mixed with other charms attract votes.

She says the lack or delay of justice has exacerbated the vice leading to a prolonged devastating impact on the aggrieved families.

Sumani further decried the continued victimization of elderly people saying they too have rights that they need to enjoy just like any citizen.

She argued that the youth population will one day grow old and how will they feel if youths of that time accuse them of witchcraft.

“In 2023, 131 cases of abuse and violence against the elderly were recorded and 25 were brutally killed”

“2024 January to date 8 killings of the elderly have been recorded,” explained Sumani.

Sumani underscored the need for communities to embrace mindset change and support people with albinism and the elderly.

Meanwhile, Chimwemwe Kachigamba a person with albinism from Dowa appealed to the authorities to prioritize their security saying they continue to face attacks despite the assurance they get.

Chimwemwe also asked community members to respect their rights saying people with albinism and the elderly can contribute to the country’s development if given support.