Escalation of Land Clashes in Mato Grosso do Sul: More Federal Officers Deployed

Federal law enforcement officers are being deployed to Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, amid escalating clashes between Indigenous Guarani Kaiowa people and farmers. The Guarani Kaiowa are reclaiming land recognized as theirs in 2011, but conflicts have intensified following legal setbacks and territorial harassment. Injuries have been reported on both sides.

More federal law enforcement officers are being sent to Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state after intense weekend clashes over land between Indigenous peoples and farmers, the Ministry of Justice confirmed on Monday.

The National Public Security Force, already present since early July, will now bolster its deployment, according to the ministry.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples noted reports of farmers attacking Guarani Kaiowa individuals in Douradina municipality on Saturday. Eight people sustained injuries, with five transported by ambulance to a local hospital; three had gunshot wounds, while two were hit by rubber bullets.

A subsequent attack on the Guarani Kaiowa occurred on Sunday evening, involving fire, tear gas, and gunshots. The perpetrator remains unidentified, but at least one farmer was injured.

Authorities have announced a police investigation into potential criminal offenses.

The Guarani Kaiowa are reclaiming their land in the Panambi-Lagoa Rica Indigenous territory, recognized in 2011. Frustration over the slow process led to the establishment of a reclaim camp on July 14, which spurred nearby landowners to form their own camp and allegedly harass the Indigenous group, said Anderson Santos, from the Indigenous Missionary Council.

Recognition of their land was stalled by a court ruling favoring the "time frame" argument, which was later rejected by Brazil's Supreme Court but supported by a Senate bill. President Lula partially vetoed the bill, but Congress overrode his veto.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples said the "time frame" case has heightened tensions, leading to increased violence against Indigenous people. Despite his commitments, President Lula faces criticism over unfulfilled promises to create reserves and remove illegal miners and land-grabbers from Indigenous lands.

(With inputs from agencies.)