What do we know about the "N'Hamidu Brigade"?
According to investigators, the "N'Hamidu Brigade" is an organization with an international network aiming to overthrow the Eritrean government. To this end, it has orchestrated—among other actions—acts of violence against events held by Eritrean government supporters abroad. Such attacks occurred in Giessen (Hesse) in 2022 and 2023, as well as in Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg) in 2023.
During these riots, members of the organization "deliberately" used projectiles and sharp objects to strike people on the head. Investigators report that numerous police officers and event participants were injured, some seriously. Previous reports from authorities indicated that 39 officers were injured in Stuttgart alone, and approximately 230 people were arrested.
Similar riots have also occurred at pro-government Eritrean festivals in other countries, such as the Netherlands and Sweden.
Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, has existed as a state for just over three decades. It seceded from Ethiopia in 1993 following a decades-long war and gained its independence. President Isaias Afwerki has ruled the country authoritatively since independence. It is one of the world's poorest nations, and its human rights situation is dire.
Edited by: A.J.M.
German authorities classify the group's local branch as a domestic terrorist organization due to violent riots that broke out at Eritrean community festivals in Giessen and Stuttgart.
