Leaders of indigenous communities in San Pedro, Caaguazú, and Canindeyú have announced the organization of an indefinite protest to demand greater assistance from the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous Affairs (Indi) and other institutions. During the days of mobilization, intermittent road blockades at the locations where protesters will be concentrated are not ruled out.
The settlement leaders requested the replacement of all Indi directors. According to them, these senior officials no longer have the trust of the majority of indigenous populations, as they do not allow leaders to participate in finding solutions to the numerous problems faced.
According to the announcement made by the leaders, there is still no set date for the start of the mobilizations, as they are in talks with some departmental authorities and with the president of Indi, Hugo Samaniego, in an attempt to avoid the paralysis of the communities.
Cristian Vega, leader of the Buena Vista community in the district of Guajayvi, San Pedro, stated that there is a large number of unanswered requests from Indi. He mentioned the legalization and purchase of land, road construction, bridge building, classrooms, electricity supply, and many other needs that must be addressed.
Vega added that the native populations also request the opening of an office in the country's capital where the leaders' demands can be permanently addressed.
The leaders of the department of Canindeyú, Olegario Vera, and of Caaguazú, Samuel Rivarola, reported that the day and locations of the protest in the three departments will be communicated soon.