Tensions between groups of Eritreans in Amersfoort, police have situation under control

A tense situation arose in Amersfoort on Saturday evening surrounding an Eritrean party. Outside on the Van Galenstraat in the Kruiskamp district, a group of Eritreans was looking for a confrontation with the dozens of people inside. The police suspect that they are supporters and opponents of the regime in the African country.

Hulde voor de inzet van de politie / Mobiele Eenheid. Zij hebben iedereen in veiligheid gebracht en in #Amersfoort een confrontatie tussen groepen Eritreeërs voorkomen. De politie schaalt -na zo'n vier uur- af en vertrekt. De situatie is nu rustig. https://t.co/krmGiMxi5v

— Jeroen van der Veer (@JeroenvdVeer) May 25, 2024

According to a police spokesperson, dozens of officers managed to keep the groups apart around 10 p.m., and the danger of a confrontation could be avoided. They moved the partygoers to another location as the evening progressed. The group of Eritreans trying to cause trouble were later sent out into the street.

By 11:00 p.m, the streets were quiet againa nd no destruction or fights took place, NOS reported. Furthermore, police said they have not had to make any arrests so far, and the people at the Eritrean party went home. "The police have the situation under control," a spokesperson stated.

Eritrea celebrated Independence Day, its national holiday, on Friday. The pro-government Federation of Eritrean Communities Netherlands (FEN) wanted to celebrate this on Saturday with a party for 700 to 900 guests in Rijswijk, but the Zuid-Holland municipality banned this for fear of disturbances.

A New Year's party in The Hague earlier this year led to riots when opponents of the Eritrean regime wanted to attack the supporters of the regime present.