Indigenous communities in Amazon face land invasion threats

Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon, specifically the Parakanã people, have reported receiving audio threats via WhatsApp regarding the potential invasion of the Apyterewa Indigenous Territory. The messages, obtained by Folha de S. Paulo, suggest that farmers and ranchers intend to occupy the land to establish cattle ranches and agricultural plantations if Flávio Bolsonaro wins the presidential second round on October 25.

The threats indicate an expectation that a victory for Bolsonaro, combined with the election of Dr. Daniel from the Podemos party as governor of Pará, would facilitate the transfer of indigenous lands to livestock producers. Reports mention increased movement of vehicles and the purchase of agricultural materials near the territory in preparation for a post-election occupation.

In response, Brazilian federal agencies have increased surveillance and monitoring. The Federal Police, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples, and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples are all tracking the situation. The federal government's De-intrusion Committee has agreed to bolster security forces to prevent illegal occupations and continue operations to remove existing invaders.