Police in Germany executed a major nationwide raid on March 26, 2025, targeting a group of individuals accused of being part of an international network intent on overthrowing the Eritrean government. This operation, which involved more than 200 federal and state police officers, spanned six federal states and included searches of 19 properties associated with the suspects.
The raids were focused on 17 individuals alleged to be members of the "Brigade N'hamedu," which has been classified as a domestic terrorist organization by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe. The group is accused of orchestrating violent riots at Eritrean cultural festivals and events in Germany, raising concerns about their activities within the Eritrean diaspora.
According to the prosecutor's office, eight properties were searched in Hesse, four in North Rhine-Westphalia, three in Bavaria, two in Baden-Württemberg, and one each in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Rhineland-Palatinate. Additionally, a raid was conducted in Denmark as part of the operation.
Despite the extensive police presence, no arrests were reported at the time of the raids. Authorities have indicated that the suspects are believed to have assumed senior roles within the Brigade N'hamedu, which has been active in Germany since at least 2022. The group is linked to violent incidents at Eritrean festivals in Giessen on August 20, 2022, and in August 2023, as well as a seminar in Stuttgart in September 2023. Numerous police officers were injured during these events, some sustaining serious injuries.
Prosecutors have also suggested that some members of the Brigade N'hamedu view violence against German state institutions, including police forces, as a legitimate means to achieve their goals. This perspective raises significant concerns about the potential for further violence and unrest within the Eritrean community in Germany.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office noted that the purpose of the raids was to "objectify the existing suspicions" regarding the group's activities. The investigation into the Brigade N'hamedu follows a broader pattern of violence associated with Eritrean government opponents, particularly at events held by the Eritrean diaspora in Europe and North America.
In a related case, another individual believed to hold a senior position within the Brigade N'hamedu in both the Netherlands and Germany was sentenced to four years in prison by a Dutch court in September 2024. This individual was convicted for their involvement in riots in The Hague in February 2024, where clashes erupted during a rally by supporters of the Eritrean government.
Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, is often cited as one of the world's most repressive regimes. Since gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993, the country has been ruled by a one-party state that has not held elections for decades. Many Eritreans have fled the country in search of better opportunities, often taking perilous journeys through deserts and across borders to reach Europe.
Germany is home to over 80,000 Eritrean nationals and people of Eritrean descent, making it a significant hub for the diaspora. The ongoing tensions between supporters of the Eritrean government and its opponents have led to violent confrontations at various cultural events, with some exiles alleging that funds generated at these festivals may support the Eritrean regime.
The recent raids highlight the German authorities' commitment to addressing the threat posed by domestic terrorism, particularly as it relates to international networks that advocate for violence. As investigations continue, the implications for the Eritrean community in Germany and the broader European context remain to be seen.
While the raids may have temporarily disrupted the activities of the Brigade N'hamedu, the underlying issues that drive such conflicts within the diaspora—political repression in Eritrea, the struggle for representation, and the fight against perceived injustices—are far from resolved. The German government faces the challenge of balancing the rights of individuals to express political dissent with the need to maintain public safety and order.
As the situation develops, it will be crucial for authorities to monitor the activities of groups like Brigade N'hamedu and to engage with the Eritrean community to foster dialogue and understanding. The outcome of these raids may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, both in Germany and across Europe.
