Overstone Kondowe has made history by becoming Malawi’s first MP with albinism.
Kondowe will represent the governing Malawi Congress Party and has been actively fighting for the rights of the albino community. He has also been appointed special adviser to President Lazurus Chakwera on people living with disabilities.
Statistics show that since 2014, more than 170 albinos have been attacked in Malawi, and at least 20 have been murdered. The attacks stem from false beliefs that brews infused with their body parts bring luck and wealth.
“Being the first person with albinism elected in this kind of office, there is high expectation, not only in Malawi, but the whole world is looking forward to what I would do,” he told the AFP news agency.
In 2018, the United Nations worked alongside the Malawi government to develop the National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism.
“The United Nations is calling upon the authorities to continue implementing that National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism to ensure that the criminal practice of attacking persons with albinism is fully eliminated in Malawi,” Maria Jose Torres, the UN national coordinator, said at the time.
In August, Amnesty International called for action following the brutal murder Ian Muhamba, a 20-year-old man with albinism. His body was found missing several body parts.
“Malawian authorities must launch an immediate, independent and impartial investigation into the killing of Ian Muhamba, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in fair trials,” the organization’s statement read. “Authorities must also take urgent steps to guarantee the safety and security of persons with albinism in Malawi, including by investigating all past attacks and delivering justice for victims and their families.”
Kondowe’s appointment is a significant leap forward for Malawi’s albino community. “My last word to persons with disability, and in particular persons with albinism, they need not to underrate themselves,” he added.
