The Brazilian armed forces will be mobilised to bolster security during the upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next month, as confirmed by the state’s secretary for security, Victor Santos, on Tuesday. This initiative aims to ensure a safe environment for the leaders attending the summit.
Legal Framework for Military Deployment
Under Brazilian law, the president holds the authority to deploy the military temporarily in areas where local police forces may be overwhelmed. This protocol, known as the Guarantee of Law and Order, has been previously utilised during significant international events held in Brazil, including the 2014 World Cup, the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio+20.
Santos emphasised the host nation's responsibility to guarantee the safety of attending dignitaries. "This law will certainly be used," he stated, underscoring the importance of the measures in place for the G20 heads of government meeting scheduled for November 18-19.
International Leaders Confirm Attendance
Notable leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping, have confirmed their participation in the G20 summit. Santos clarified that military forces would be stationed specifically in Rio de Janeiro, rather than across the entire state.
Recent Security Challenges
In recent weeks, Rio de Janeiro has experienced a surge in violent incidents, including hijackers using city buses to obstruct roads and impede police access after releasing their hostages. These developments have heightened concerns about public safety ahead of the high-profile international gathering. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Brazil’s presidential office or the defense ministry regarding Santos's comments on the military's role during the summit.
With inputs from Reuters
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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