Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a no-go on using the military in the country’s favelas to fight crime.
This official statement was made at the government headquarters. Just earlier this week, the President had a meeting with top military commanders and the Defense Minister.
This came after the Governor of Rio de Janeiro had asked for federal assistance to combat organized crime in the state.
As it stands, Brazil has already deployed a National Force to Rio. They are there to back up the local police.
Now, discussions are ongoing about additional military logistical support. However, it’s essential to clarify that the support would be limited to logistics.
No troops will take part in direct law enforcement actions against criminals.
In terms of policy, the President is focusing on improving relations between civilians and the military.
These relations have been strained in recent years. The previous government increased the military’s role in public security, causing some tension.
As a corrective measure, the President aims to keep the military out of direct citizen security roles.
In a press conference, the President was explicit. Both the federal police and the military are to provide only logistical aid in Rio.
They are not to engage directly in fighting crime. Thus, there are no plans to sign any special law-and-order decrees involving the military.
The President insists that the role of these federal agencies is strictly supportive, ensuring that basic rules and procedures are followed.