18*February 2024
The Hague, Netherlands – Violence erupted between rival groups of Eritreans in The Hague on Saturday night, leading to injuries to four police officers and reigniting concerns about divisions within the Eritrean diaspora in Europe.
The clash reportedly ensued when protestors opposed to the Eritrean government attempted to disrupt a traditional event organized by government supporters. Dutch authorities intervened to quell the violence, which involved rock-throwing and reportedly caused damage to two police vehicles and a public bus.
This incident follows similar clashes between Eritrean groups in Germany and other European nations, raising questions about the underlying tensions within the diaspora community. While the specific cause of Saturday’s unrest remains under investigation, analysts point to ongoing political polarization within Eritrea and its impact on communities abroad.
Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, condemned the violence, stating, “This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.” He urged for dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences within the community.
The incident also sparked concerns about the safety of bystanders and the potential for further escalation. Local authorities have assured increased security measures and investigations into the cause of the violence.
Meanwhile, the plight of Eritrean refugees across Europe remains in focus. Many Eritreans flee their homeland due to political repression and mandatory military service, often facing challenging conditions in host countries.
This recent violence highlights the need for further dialogue and support for Eritrean communities in Europe, addressing both internal divisions and broader integration challenges
