Eritrean demonstration in Oslo. Warns against the sale of eggs, tomatoes and potatoes

In September last year, it degenerated into fights with sticks and stones. Before the demonstrations in Oslo, the police warned against the sale of potatoes, eggs and tomatoes.

There are two rival Eritrean groups who are each holding a demonstration outside the Storting on Friday. First the opposition, who demonstrated from 8am to 11am. Then a more pro-regime group, from 11am to 2pm.

The first demonstration went smoothly. Just before 12, around 1,000 people are heading up Karl Johans gate to the Stortinget. Several buses with demonstrators have arrived from Sweden, the police confirm.

At 12.15 the demonstrators had reached Eidsvolls plass in front of the Storting. Several hundred people are present. Among the slogans are “no to stigmatization of Norwegian-Eritreans”, “we have the right to safety” and “stop the violence of Norwegian-Eritreans”.

– Things are going smoothly for now, says task leader Svein Arild Jørundland.

About 15 counter-demonstrators have gathered behind the police barricades. They are completely silent, according to Aftenposten’s reporter on the spot.

Be forewarned

The police in Oslo issued a number of recommendations before the demonstrations. Among them: – Avoid selling eggs, tomatoes and potatoes.

“We ask that the business community and others who may be affected take in objects and the like they have on the street,” the police wrote to the business community around the Storting, according to Avisa Oslo.

There has been unrest at demonstrations in the past, which means that the police have issued a written warning to the business community.

“Both parties have informed the police that they want peaceful demonstrations in Oslo on 26 April, but that they fear violence from the other party. (…) There is great uncertainty related to how the events will be carried out, but the situation could potentially lead to clashes,” the letter says according to Avisa Oslo.

See the police’s tips at the bottom of the case.

Fighting in Bergen last year

Last year, the police in Bergen had to move out with large forces because demonstrations developed into fights. Fights where people hit sticks and threw stones marked the cityscape in Bergen.

The demonstrators are protesting against a party organized by Eritreans loyal to the regime.

– The demonstrators obstructed normal traffic and disturbed peace and order, according to the police’s spokesperson, John Endre Skeie. He believed that the police had arranged for both parties to be able to express their opinions. But the demonstrations led, among other things, to the Bybanen not coming forward.

Finally, the police ordered the demonstrators to leave the center of Bergen.

Abroad too, there have been violent clashes between Eritrean groups. In connection with an Eritrean festival outside Stockholm last August, there were riots.

The festival was disrupted by around 1,000 counter-protesters and they were beaten with sticks and stones were thrown. Both police and demonstrators were injured in the commotion, Expressen reported.

The newspaper’s journalist at the scene described the situation as “total chaos”.

“Probably less extensive than previously thought”

Despite the fact that the police have warned the business community in central Oslo, it may seem as if the police have gradually become less concerned.

On Wednesday morning, the police inspector sent a new e-mail to the business community, writes Avisa Oslo:

“New information indicates that the event will probably be somewhat less extensive than previously thought, and that the risk of clashes has been reduced.”

It is not known what kind of “new information” is meant.