Guarani-Kaiowá communities face violence in Mato Grosso do Sul

The Federal Police have been called to investigate a series of violent incidents targeting Guarani-Kaiowá indigenous communities in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. These events follow recent elections and include reports of arson, threats, and killings.

In the village of Jaguapiré, Tacuru, the home of 90-year-old spiritual leader Roberta was destroyed by fire. The blaze reportedly consumed sacred ceremonial instruments used by the community. In the village of Sassoró, a municipal employee was temporarily suspended after audio messages surfaced in which he allegedly threatened to poison the water supply used by indigenous people. The recordings also reportedly contained insults regarding indigenous voting patterns.

Other reported incidents include the murder of an entire family in Naviraí and a fatal hit-and-run in Coronel Sapucaia. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, Funai, and the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib) have characterized these reports as extremely concerning, citing threats to physical integrity and incitement of hatred. While Apib has gathered over 30 reports of violence in the region associated with the electoral period, the Federal Public Ministry noted that some specific allegations of politically motivated murders in Naviraí have not yet been confirmed.