In an interview with FRANCE 24, Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire expressed concern that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva might fail to keep his promises on the Amazon rainforest, particularly on demarcating the lands of Indigenous peoples. Although Raoni, who is chief of the Amazonian Kayapo people, admitted that the announcements from Lula since his return to power in January 2023 are encouraging, he said that the continued influence of Lula's predecessor Jair Bolsonaro and his allies represents an obstacle to their implementation.
"In [Brazil's] Congress, there are a lot of people who are against us," the Indigenous leader warned, pointing out that Lula "is not the only one who has power".
Raoni explained that Lula promised him that "he was going to demarcate the lands of Indigenous peoples who do not yet own their land". But "that is really hard to achieve", he said, citing the influence of pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers in Congress who are opposed to the move.
Raoni, who has fought for the Amazon since his youth, said he intends to continue fighting "with all the energy" he has left. But "I am increasingly tired", admitted the nonagenarian. "I will now introduce members of my family and other Indigenous people who can take over when I'm gone."
