BUJUMBURA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- As the world Tuesday marked the international albinism awareness day, the chairman of the Association of Albinos without Borders said the security situation of albinos in Burundi has improved.
"For about four years, the security situation of albinos in Burundi has improved. We (albinos) are not 'hunted' like before in our country," said Kassim Kazungu, the chairman of the association.
Kazungu however said Burundian albinos living near the border with Tanzania or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are "always scared" because the "hunt" against albinos has continued in those countries.
He also added that the life of albinos in Malawi is under threat.
"We are still watchful because we know that our life can be endangered at any time," he said.
According to him, 22 albinos were killed in the east African nation between 2008 and 2009, while the total albino population in Burundi is over 600.
In recent years, the assassination of albinos targeted albinos in Burundi's southern and eastern provinces including Makamba, Ruyigi, Cankuzo and Muyinga which make border with Tanzania where albino body parts are said to be sold for witchcraft purposes. Enditem
