BRASILIA (AP) — In a surprising affirmation, Raoni Metuktire, an Indigenous leader renowned worldwide, has expressed his continued support for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s reelection, despite ongoing governmental projects that he and other Indigenous groups oppose.
Raoni’s endorsement remains firm even after he joined Lula during his inauguration ceremony in January 2023, marking the president’s third term. Standing beside Lula at such a pivotal moment underscored Raoni’s backing, which he reiterated during an event at the Free Land encampment, the largest gathering of Indigenous groups in Brazil. This meeting brought together approximately 7,000 Indigenous individuals from 200 different groups, all uniting in the capital to advocate for their rights.
At the encampment, Raoni stated, “I like his work and am thinking about meeting him so we can address demarcation of Indigenous territories,” highlighting his intent to engage with Lula on critical Indigenous issues.
While President Lula has shown support for Indigenous rights and environmental protection, he continues to advance projects that might contradict these values. One such initiative is the Ferrograo railway project, designed to transport commodities such as corn and soybeans over nearly 1,000 kilometers across the Amazon. This project has faced significant opposition from Indigenous communities.
The Brazilian government is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on the project’s legality, which involves altering the boundaries of a national park to permit construction. Additionally, a congressional watchdog’s approval is needed for the plans to proceed.
The court trial concerning the Ferrograo project is set to resume on Wednesday. In response, Indigenous leaders, including Raoni, are expected to stage a protest at the court to express their concerns. Raoni has emphasized that the Ferrograo could inflict “great harm” on the environment and Indigenous lands.
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