Abstract. The article examines the problem of discrimination against albinos in the countries of Tropical Africa using the example of the situation in the United Republic of Tanzania. The origins of stigmatization based on skin color against representatives of this social minority, the current situation of albinos on the continent, as well as existing measures to support them and prospects in this area are analyzed. In Tropical Africa, where any processes in the political, socio-economic and spiritual spheres of society are inextricably linked with traditional beliefs, the ground is being created for speculation on the belief in the albino bodies’ magical power. Mythological ideas about the power of amulets made from albino flesh go deep into the archaic consciousness of Africans. This allows transnational organized crime to thrive in the highly profitable human organ trade, where victims are albinos. Parts of white-skinned Africans’ bodies are sold for tens of thousands of US dollars on the black market. The criminal chain involves healers who enjoy the trust of all segments of society, from ordinary citizens to the elite; highly paid hired killers who receive large profits against the low incomes of the population; and solvent customers, which in African realities indicates their undoubted belonging to the top of power and business. The number of horrific attacks on albinos is growing rapidly during election campaigns. Ahead of the upcoming 2025 general elections in Tanzania, people demand that the country’s leadership take urgent measures to ensure security, rights and freedoms of the most vulnerable part of society. The international community expects governments of countries where people with albinism are being persecuted and killed, to take decisive action to stop the illegal activities of criminal groups and guarantee respect for human rights.
Key words: albinism, Africa, discrimination, human rights protection, traditional beliefs, dehumanization, criminal business, Tanzania, Ukerewe Island, human trafficking, transnational organized crime (TOC), social minority.