Apam demands fresh probe on killings of people with albinism

The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) has asked President Lazarus Chakwera to institute a fresh Commission of Inquiry into ritual killings of people with albinism.

Apam President Ian Simbota said the Association disregarded the commission of inquiry that was set by former President Peter Mutharika.

Simbota argued that the Commission was trying to protect some high profile officials who are connected to the attacks, abductions and murders of people with albinism in the country.

“We still haven’t change our stand, we disregarded it and we say we are not going to take part in the commission of Inquiry that was set by President Professor Peter Mutharika, he is not a person we could trust and still more the position hasn’t changed.

“Because we heard that the inquiry Committee presented a report to Chakwera and he hasn’t even brought out, so whether he releases it or not but we don’t think there can be anything new that can change or help people with albinism,” said Simbota.

Simbota said Apam is waiting for President Chakwera to fulfill his promise of coming up with a new commission of inquiry.

“Our stand is still there that we want a new Commission of Inquiry and before the election, Dr Chakwera said that in his first 100 days is going to institute a new Commission of Inquiry to discover the market for albino bones.

“So we are still waiting for Dr Chakwera to fulfill his promise of instituting new Commission of Inquiry so as it is now, we are waiting for the President to institute a new Commission of Inquiry,” he said.

Presidential Press Secretary Brian Banda asked for more time before commenting on the matter.

In June 2018, government developed a five-year National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism in consultation with various stakeholders from the public and private sectors aiming at guiding national efforts to promote and protect rights of persons with albinism in Malawi.

Albinism is a rare,non-contagious, genetic condition present at birth that results in absence of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair.