Info.Revolução’s exclusive interview with the historic indigenous leader

In an exclusive conversation with Info.Revolução, Cacique Raoni – one of the most recognized indigenous leaders in the world – spoke with journalist Douglas Diniz, leader of Revolucion Permanente, the International Socialist League (LIS) and coordinator of the portal, about COP30, the Brazilian government’s extractivist offensive and the threats to native peoples and the Amazon.

“You can’t drill at the mouth of the Amazon.”

When asked about the government’s intention to move forward with oil exploitation in the Equatorial Margin, Raoni was categorical:

“When I heard about the oil, I did not like the plan. I already spoke with President Lula and also with President Macron. I told them that you can’t drill, that later we may have problems and that nearby communities will be affected.”

For the Kayapo leader, oil exploration at the mouth of the Amazon represents an immediate risk and a serious environmental setback.

COP30 in Belém: are world leaders listening to indigenous peoples?

Raoni actively participated in meetings with authorities and international representatives during COP30.

“I talked to a lot of people. I feel that they have listened to me. We need to preserve forests to avoid too high temperatures. If not, we will have serious problems, not only for us, but for future generations.”

Privatization of Amazon rivers: surprise and indignation

The Lula government partially vetoed the so-called Devastation Bill, but simultaneously enacted Decree 12,600, which opens the door to the privatization of the Tapajós, Tocantins and Madeira rivers, transforming them into commercial river corridors for soybeans, minerals and cattle.

When asked about this fact, Raoni was surprised:

“I was not aware of that, that’s why I didn’t talk to the president. But I told him that he cannot repeat what he did in the past with Belo Monte, when he went against the position of the caciques and authorized the dam.”

And he remarked:

“We put him there, I walked up the ramp with him on possession day. I told him not to make the same mistake. I’m going to demand of him, I’m going to remind him of this issue.”

“If they don’t listen to us, this COP will not deliver results.”

Raoni was highly critical of the official climate summit negotiations:

“If the indigenous people are not listened to in this meeting, it will be a meeting without results. Near us there are still loggers working, logging is taking place, new areas are opening up. If the authorities do not take real measures to put an end to deforestation, we will have serious problems for everyone.”

The claim for UFPA’s first indigenous teacher

During the interview, journalist Douglas Diniz conveyed the situation of Mariana, an indigenous teacher approved in a competitive examination who has not yet been summoned by the Federal University of Pará, despite her right to occupy the position.

Raoni supported without hesitation:

“If she made it, she has to move on. She has to be a college professor. I don’t agree with her not being called.”

An urgent call to action

Cacique Raoni’s words resound as a warning and a mandate:

there will be no possible future if deforestation continues, if rivers are privatized and if the extractivist logic that destroys territories and communities deepens.

In the heart of the Amazon, the voice of one of the world’s most important indigenous leaders demands that Lula and the governments present at COP30 take a different course and listen to those who have been defending the rainforest for centuries.