- Al-Shaymaa Kwegyr has become the first ever albino to become a member of parliament in Tanzania. The rationale behind Mr Kwegyr's appointment was part of the government's efforts to protect albinos from being targeted by witch-doctors.
He was among the ten nominated members appointed by President Jakaya Kikwete. At a ceremony in the administrative capital Dodoma, he was among the 323 deputies to take oath of office.
Of late, Tanzanian albinos have become targets of killings by traditionalists who mutilate their bodies purposely to make fortunes.
Last year, 19 albinos were murdered and two disappeared in Tanzania.
The security of the albino population has concerned the government to the core, which was why the police were asked to track down suspects. All albinos have been ordered to register.
The Executive Chairman of IPP, Reginald Mengi, condemned bloody attacks on albinos, blaming people for not alerting authorities upon witnessing such evils.
"There are people who still believe in witchcraft and think that the limbs of an albino could make them wealthy," Mengi said, arguing that those who ignore the welfare of other people must not call themselves regligious beings.
"There is no justification in bragging about being religious if you disregard the plight of God`s creation," he said.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.