Brazil Roundup: Black Consciousness Day, assassination plot against Lula, net zero emissions

First-ever celebration of Black Consciousness Day  as a national holiday

Brazil is commemorating Black Consciousness Day as a national holiday for the first time on November 20, marking the anniversary of the capture and death of Zumbi, a key figure in the resistance against slavery and leader of the quilombo Palmares. This holiday, celebrated amid ongoing demands for racial equality, serves to honour the collective struggle of Black people in Brazil and counter-narratives that glorify the abolition of slavery on May 13, 1888. Black movements have distinguished November 20 as an affirmation of Black identity and history, especially in light of past governmental resistance and criticism from far-right factions. Events are planned nationwide, including a primetime special by Brazil's largest television network highlighting injustices faced by Black individuals. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed the law to establish the holiday in December 2023, amid controversy and scepticism from conservative groups. 

Brazil’s President Lula to make first post-pandemic visit to Japan

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will make a state visit to Japan in March 2025, marking the first such visit since the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit coincides with the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil. The two countries aim to establish a strategic partnership focused on trade and investment, particularly in resources and biofuels, and strengthen supply chains for commodities. Lula's visit will include a banquet hosted by Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. 

China’s Xi to visit Brazil to strengthen ties 

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Brazil to strengthen ties with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following recent G20 and APEC summits. As China braces for a potentially more confrontational US stance under Donald Trump, both nations aim to assert leadership in the Global South amid global uncertainties. Xi's meetings will focus on enhancing bilateral relations, trade, and shared interests, as Brazil seeks to increase exports of value-added products while primarily trading in commodities like soybeans. This meeting marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil and highlights efforts to balance ties with both China and the US amid concerns over trade imbalances, experts suggest that collaboration on re-industrialisation will be crucial for future economic relations. 

Five arrested over alleged assassination plot against President Lula

Brazilian police have arrested five individuals, including a former adviser to ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, over an alleged assassination plot targeting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other officials. The plot, conceived in late 2022 before Lula took office, involved advanced military tactics and proposed methods such as poisoning or explosives. The suspects, including retired general Mário Fernandes, are prohibited from leaving the country or contacting others involved. An investigation into Bolsonaro’s potential connection to the plot is ongoing, as he has denied any wrongdoing. Lula narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 election, leading to riots by the former president's supporters in January 2023. 

Lula urges world leaders to accelerate net zero emissions target

At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged leaders to accelerate their national climate targets, aiming for net zero emissions by 2040 or 2045 instead of the 2050 deadline. Lula emphasised the urgency to address climate change as 2024 is projected to be one of the hottest years on record. The summit also highlighted tensions regarding climate financing, with Lula criticising developed nations for not meeting their promised $100 billion annual contribution to developing countries by 2020. US President Joe Biden supported the need for financial resources to help vulnerable nations combat climate change. The G20 leaders called for increased climate finance and a legally binding treaty to limit plastic pollution by the end of 2024.