In the labyrinthine alleys of Brazil’s sprawling cities, a parallel power structure is taking root. This is not the work of drug cartels or organized crime syndicates, but rather of militias—paramilitary groups often led by serving or former police officers. These militias have emerged as a dominant criminal force, particularly in cities like Belem, the Amazon port city and capital of Para state. Their rise has been accompanied by a surge in violent crime, including massacres and targeted killings. According to a report by Al Jazeera, about 20 militias operate in Belem alone, and their influence is growing.
Militias in Brazil have their origins in the late 2000s when groups of off-duty police formed death squads, often with the backing of local businesses. Their initial aim was to eliminate drug traffickers and petty thieves in peripheral neighborhoods. However, these groups soon began to impose their own rules, including curfews and taxes, writes Al-Jazeera. They have evolved into complex organizations involved in a range of criminal activities, from arms dealing and burglaries to even bank robberies. They also profit from the drug trade, and dealers who refuse to pay taxes are hunted down and killed. In some neighborhoods, they control informal transport networks and sell goods and services like cooking gas and cable TV. Each scam can pull in thousands of dollars a month.
The rise of militias has had a profound impact on the social fabric of Brazilian cities. In Belem, for example, the city has some of the worst indicators of poverty, inequality, housing, and basic sanitation among Brazil’s big cities. The victims of militia violence are overwhelmingly poor young men of color from peripheral neighborhoods. The militias’ activities have also led to bloody turf wars with national drug cartels, further destabilizing the region. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that these militias often have the backing of local politicians and law enforcement agencies, making it difficult to curb their activities.
The militias’ activities are not just confined to the criminal underworld; they also have political implications. In Rio de Janeiro, for instance, several local representatives have been charged with militia-related crimes. In Belem, there is a strong connection between these militias and sectors of public administration. It’s difficult for a militia to survive without political support, highlighting the complex and often murky relationship between these groups and the state. This has led to a situation where militias are increasingly becoming a part of the political landscape, with some even running candidates in local elections.
As Brazil grapples with this growing menace, the real challenge lies in dismantling these power structures. With municipal elections on the horizon, groups like militias and drug gangs have good opportunities to profit. The situation is further complicated by the fact that effective violence reduction measures take time, a challenge given electoral cycles and economic volatility. Moreover, the militias have become so entrenched in the social fabric that they are often seen as a necessary evil, providing security in areas where the state has failed to do so.
The rise of militias in Brazil poses a complex and multi-faceted challenge that requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society. As these groups continue to expand their influence, the question remains: Can Brazil reclaim its cities from the clutches of these shadowy organizations? The situation is dire, and immediate action is needed to prevent these groups from further entrenching themselves in Brazil’s urban landscape.
