The tragic history of Tanzanian albinos

• The tragic history of Tanzanian albinos

Photographer Eric Lyaforg documented the tragic history of Tanzanian albino children whose flesh, according to sorcerers, it brings good luck. The country prepares for presidential elections, and attacks on albinos may become more frequent - residents cheer for their candidates.

Lyaforg visited institution controlled Under the Same Sun. charity There is guarded round the clock live albino children. They are produced outside unless accompanied by guards.

"In Tanzania, albino body weight in gold. Sorcerers use their body parts - nose, genitals, tongues, fingers and ears - for the preparation of potions that claim to bring happiness "- says Lyaforg.

Children and young people living in an institution for the albinos, Tanzania.

Since 2000, 76 murders of albinos have been reported in the country, when in fact they occurred much more. President Jakaya Kikwete has called the attack "heinous" and "a great shame for the country." The finiteness of the albino is from 500 to 75 thousand dollars - and this in a country where the average monthly salary is less than $ 40. Photographer talked with their children. 14-year-old Emmanuel Festo survived the brutal attack with a machete. He cut off his hand to the elbow and cut off his fingers on his other hand. He also lost four teeth and injured his tongue.

Despite the injury, Emmanuel likes to draw. He wants to become prime minister - to "serve his country."

Girl Kabul Ngarango also suffered from the attack. At age 12, she cut off her hand, while she slept next to his mother. She dreams of becoming a lawyer and protect other albinos.

In the six-year Barracks Kosmas is one of the most horrible stories. In the case of cutting off his hands had been detained 17 suspects, including his father and younger brother. They cut off his hand, and sold it for five thousand dollars.

Tanzanian witch.

11-year-old Mvigulu Matonange remembers how he cut off his hand: "They wrapped it in dirty rags and disappeared in the bushes."

Kabul Ngarango lost a hand when sleeping next to his mother. Dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Kulva Lusa, 17 years. He lost his hand in 2001. During the attack, one of the criminals knew - it was her uncle. "As long as the hand cut off, the pain is not felt. Once they were gone, it was so painful that I screamed. "

16-year-old Pend Serengema survived the attack at home. "The hand cut off at the elbow the second machete blow."

Emmanuel Festo and Pend Serengema.

Emmanuel Festo survived the attack in 2007. He cut off his hand to the elbow and cut off his fingers on his other hand. He also lost four teeth and injured his tongue.

32-year-old Mariam also an albino, it is these children as a mother. In 2008, she lost both arms and the child, who was wearing at the time.

Sister Mariam Jennifer 16 years. After the attack on Miriam Jennifer two weeks hiding in the forest, fearing that they will return. It is the only institution not attack anyone.

In the 14-year-old Robert Adam was attacked with a machete. He damaged three fingers. Adam was still alive and told the police that the attack involved his father, step-mother and older brother. Neighbors confirmed his testimony, and the perpetrators were arrested. "I will never go back to his family."