A model Indigenous territory in Brazil’s Amazon seeks protection from criminal gangs
Summary
The Ashaninka Indigenous people in Brazil’s Amazon face increasing threats from criminal gangs using their land for drug trafficking routes. Despite asking for protection, they receive only temporary security while the risks remain. Protecting Indigenous territories is important to fight deforestation and crime but remains a challenge in remote Amazon areas.Key Facts
- The Ashaninka community recovered their Amazon territory along the Brazil-Peru border about 30 years ago.
- They have created their own system to govern the land and practice sustainable farming.
- Criminal groups, including drug traffickers, are invading Ashaninka land and using it for cocaine routes.
- The Solimoes River route is a key path for moving cocaine from Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia to Brazilian ports.
- The Brazilian gang Red Command largely controls this drug trafficking route.
- Authorities send security forces, but their presence is often temporary and insufficient.
- Indigenous people’s remote location, language differences, and lack of continuous government support increase their vulnerability.
- Experts say protecting Indigenous lands helps reduce deforestation and fights crime in the Amazon.
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