A group of nearly 400 migrants, mostly Haitians (men, women and children), stranded since February 12 at the Integration Bridge, which connects the Brazilian city of Assis, in the State of Acre, to the Peruvian region of Madre de Dios, want to cross the border with Mexico as their final destination.

However, the Integration Bridge that separates the two countries has been closed since March 2020 in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and contrary to a rumor which suggested that Peru, on the dates of the Brazilian carnival, would open its border, the Peruvian authorities denied it and instead sent reinforcements to the border (police and armed soldiers).

Assisi volunteers set up tents and brought food to the Haitian group, which includes many children and pregnant women, said the spokesperson for the mayor's office.

On Sunday February 14, Jerry Correia the Mayor of Assis visited the Haitians and declared "the situation is chaotic and dramatic due to the high presence of children and the categorical refusal of Haitians to return to the shelters". He claimed to have met the Governor of Madre de Dios, Luis Hidalgo, so that the Peruvian authorities allow the entry and transit of Haitians on their territory, but the situation became more complex after the State of Acre entered in its most restrictive phase due to Covid-19...

On Tuesday, exasperated to wait, the Haitians forcibly crossed the border "[...] They broke the security cordon and entered Peruvian territory [...] throwing stones and bottles at the police," declared Colonel Jorge Barrera Chief of the local police "[...] they did not heed the call for calm to resolve the situation [...] They do not understand, they are violent, we wanted to discuss with them to withdraw from the border, without result [...]"

The police went on the offensive and regained control of the situation with batons and tear gas. Finally, the Haitians were returned by van to Brazilian territory.

Colonnel Barrera, who deplores the violence, told the media that the solution was in the hands of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Peru and Brazil and that he had only followed orders.

SL/ HaitiLibre