In Tanzania, in 2015, an albino boy named Baraka had his right arm cut off by his father and sold for a high price to a witch doctor to make a luck potion. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and persecution faced by albino individuals in the region.

Baraka's mother was knocked unconscious by armed intruders during a night raid, with his father brutally severing his son's arm, leading to lifelong psychological and physical trauma. Following the incident, humanitarian efforts arranged for Baraka to travel to the United States for prosthetic installation and rehabilitation.

Despite the passage of a decade, the situation for albino people in Tanzania remains dire, with continued threats and superstitions causing significant harm. Reportedly, between 2000 and 2015, at least 75 albino individuals were attacked or killed in the country.

Albinism is a genetic condition causing a lack of melanin, making individuals highly sensitive to sunlight and increasing their risk of skin cancer. Tanzania has a significantly high prevalence rate, with about 1 in every 1400 people affected, far exceeding the global average.

Long-standing superstitions in the region regard albino individuals as targets for violent acts, and their body parts are often used for harmful purposes. Baraka’s arm was sold for about $5000, a substantial amount given the local economy.

While the local government has established protection centers for albino individuals, funding remains scarce, hindering effective operations. In 2025, the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights ordered the Tanzanian government to improve protections for albino people.