Indigenous organizations in Peru denounce murder of Ashéninka leader in the Amazon

Indigenous organizations in Peru's Amazon region have denounced the killing of Américo Pascual Tomisha, a leader of the Onconashari community. Tomisha was reportedly murdered on Sunday while performing his duties as coordinator of his community's surveillance committee.

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The apu (chief in Ashéninka language) Américo was performing his territorial surveillance duties as coordinator of his community's Surveillance Committee when he was attacked.

The Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon (Aidesep) shared an alert from its regional organization in Ucayali (ORAU), stating that Tomisha was attacked while monitoring his territory due to the presence of third parties. The organization indicated that Tomisha had previously reported the presence of settlers and others within his community's land, warning of a dangerous situation.

According to Aidesep, Tomisha confronted individuals who were allegedly extracting copaiba oil, a medicinal resin. This encounter led to a shootout in which Tomisha was fatally wounded. The association extended its condolences to Tomisha's family, the Onconashari community, and the Ashéninka people.

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The encounter led to a confrontation in which Américo Pascual Tomisha was hit by gunfire, causing his death.

ORAU has demanded that the Public Ministry and the National Police of Peru conduct an "immediate investigation, capture of those responsible, and protection for indigenous defenders." The incident adds to a grim tally, with at least 30 indigenous leaders reportedly murdered in Peru since 2020. These attacks are often linked to illegal activities such as logging, gold mining, and drug trafficking in the Amazon.

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immediate investigation, capture of those responsible, and protection for indigenous defenders.