Award winning Malian music icon, Salif Keita, has urged African countries to do more to protect people living with albinism following a spate of ritual killing of albinos in many countries on the continent.
Keita, himself an albino, has been able to carve a niche for himself in the African music industry and has often used his music to campaign for the rights of people living with the condition.
The music star who has more than 25 albums to his credit with many successful titles such as “Folon” “Mandjou”, “Yamore” amongst others, said while promoting his forthcoming
soundtrack, “Tomorrow-Ali,” which features a documentary tracing the journey of legendary world boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, that killing of albinos for any reason must be stopped by all means.
“The situation of albinos must be better known throughout the world,” the world acclaimed Malian singer said while on a tour of Turkey.
“The defense of the cause of albinos requires more support on all forms in order to be able to deter those involved in inhumane treatment.
“This year, five albinos were sacrificed in Mali. During election time, the situation is more serious. When there is an election, we try to keep them safe to avoid the worst.
“When a big personality asks to sacrifice an albino, he is not punished because he has the power. We need the rest of the world to join our cause so that we can punish those involved in albino sacrifices.
“If being albino remains a difficult situation to live both in terms of health and social in Mali and even in other countries of the world, notable progress has been recorded.
“There is a change in the situation of albinos in Africa. Before, it was unknown to the masses. More and more, the problems they are going through are known and the masses are interested. I think there is a big change.
“On the other hand, there were difficulties of social insertion in school for example, cases of stigmatization among the masses. More and more, there is progress in the situation of albinos,” the African music legend said.