Madagascar has recorded 13 killings of people with albinism this year, making it the worst year on record for such incidents, according to Albinos Madagascar. All victims were reportedly beheaded, with all but three being children aged between nine months and 14 years.
One such case occurred in late May, when three men reportedly broke into Nicole Soalala's home in Toliara and abducted her 18-month-old daughter, Landricia, who had albinism. Landricia's decapitated body was later found at a witch-doctor's home, and her head was discovered at another property.
These attacks are said to be driven by harmful superstitions that the body parts of people with albinism can bring wealth, political success, and good luck. Children are reportedly targeted due to beliefs that their innocence enhances the power of potions made from their body parts, and because they are considered more vulnerable to kidnapping.
Muluka-Anne Mitti-Drummond, the UN independent expert on albinism, noted that over 28 attacks were recorded between late 2020 and 2022, with most targeting children. Perpetrators are often acting with the intent of selling body parts or exploiting individuals with albinism for financial gain, with networks reportedly involved and violence increasing before elections.
Sabina Lauber, a senior human rights adviser to the UN in Madagascar, suggests that the country's declining development indicators and increased population, leading to desperation for survival, may be driving people towards these harmful practices.