Iyàlórìsà assassinated in Brazil

Adeyinka Olaiya

In a heartbreaking incident, the life of Iyàlórìsà Mãe Bernadete, a revered Orisa traditionalist, has been cut short, shedding light on religious intolerance, greed, and racial discrimination in Brazil.

The Bahia government and the Pres. Lula stands committed to supporting the family’s well-being and the pursuit of justice.
Bernadete Pacífico, a distinguished leader of Quilombo Pitanga dos Palmares in Simões Filho (BA), has met a tragic fate. On the night of August 17, Bernadete Pacífico, a cherished figure within the Quilombo Pitanga dos Palmares community situated in Simões Filho (BA) within the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, was subjected to a brutal and fatal shooting.

Affectionately known as Mãe Bernadete among her close associates, she dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Quilombola communities.

As an Iyàlórìsà in the Candomblé religion, she also held the vital role of coordinating the National Coordination of Quilombo Articulation (Conaq) and had previously served as the state secretary for policies promoting racial equality.

Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues of Bahia expressed unwavering commitment, stating, “I am resolute in supporting the investigation process and standing by Mãe Bernadete’s family,” as shared through a tweet.
A multitude of law enforcement agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department (Depom), Homicide and Person Protection Department (DHPP), Narcotics Investigation and Suppression Department (Denarc), Police Intelligence (DIP), and the Land Conflict Coordination (CCF), have been activated for the investigation, as reported by the G1 news portal.

The Workers’ Party (PT) issued a poignant public statement, conveying deep sorrow and demanding justice. Anne Moura, the National Women’s Secretary of the PT, described the crime as profoundly shocking and horrifying due to its extreme brutality.

“The passing of Iyalorisa Bernadete Pacífico marks yet another grievous crime against a Black woman who was a pillar of leadership in her community. The PT’s National Women’s Secretariat extends our profound solidarity to the family, friends, and the community of the region. We cannot permit the voracious quest for Quilombola and Indigenous lands to endanger the lives of women and men fighting for their rights. “The violence against Black individuals cannot continue to be a pervasive aspect of our daily lives,” conveyed Moura.

Through an official statement, the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship declared that “Minister Silvio Almeida has directed teams from the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship to be dispatched to Simões Filho, Bahia, to take all necessary actions.”

Likewise, the Ministry of Women released a statement asserting that “Mãe Bernadete fell victim to religious racism, environmental racism, and gender-based political violence targeting leaders in influential roles.”

As reported by the G1 news portal, during a recent event with then President of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Rosa Weber, Mãe Bernadete had illuminated the issue of violence against Quilombolas, including the tragic death of one of her sons.

The Regional Superintendence of the Federal Police in Bahia communicated on Friday (August 18) the launch of an inquiry to investigate the killing of Maria Bernadete Pacífico Moreira, the esteemed leader of Quilombo Pitanga dos Palmares in Simões Filho, situated within the Metropolitan Region of Salvador.

“With deep sorrow and consternation, I express my sincerest condolences for the brutal murder of Mother Bernadete Pacífico, which occurred in Bahia last night. My heartfelt solidarity goes out to the family and the community.”- Say Janja Lula da Silva (m