Brazilian government halts waterway concessions after Indigenous protests

Brazil’s federal government reverses a decree after Indigenous protesters pressure it to drop plans tied to dredging the Tapajos River. On Monday, officials say they revoke a Lula decree that lets private operators take over waterway concessions. Indigenous groups say dredging threatens the river, their territories and the rainforest’s balance. The protests last 33 days at a Cargill facility in Santarem and spread to other cities. A judge orders the camp cleared on Wednesday, raising the risk of police action. Cargill says its site shuts down. Critics say the move also tests Lula’s ties with agribusiness.