Tomarahos community demands police return amid border insecurity

The Tomarahos indigenous community in Fuerte Olimpo is urgently calling for the return of police protection, citing a surge in insecurity since uniformed officers were withdrawn. The community, comprising the last 67 Tomarahos families in Paraguay, is situated on the border with Brazil and has become increasingly vulnerable.

Residents report that individuals from Brazil, often engaging in violence fueled by alcohol consumption, are re-entering the community now that police are absent. This follows a period where police were stationed in the area after the killing of a community leader. However, a change in police leadership led to the withdrawal of these officers, leaving the community exposed.

Gricelda Vera, a community leader, stated that the return of police is essential for the safety of families. "A week ago the police returned to Fuerte Olimpo and, since then, people from the Brazilian side are appearing again. They found out that we no longer have police coverage and they enter our community again, chasing women and consuming alcoholic beverages," Vera said.

Authorities acknowledge the security concerns but point to a lack of infrastructure as the primary obstacle to establishing a permanent police post. Police Commissioner Justino Jorgge mentioned a project submitted to the Interior Ministry but indicated that a budget for construction appears to be lacking. Despite this, he stated that the police command is analyzing the possibility of redeploying personnel to the area.