SUMMARY OF THE MEETING ON THE EVICTION OF KOFFIEKAMP AND REDIBERGI IN SURINAM

Amsterdam, February 2026

On 15 February 2026, a meeting was held in Amsterdam to discuss the current situation regarding the evictions carried out by the Surinamese government in Koffiekamp and Redibergi. During this meeting, in-depth discussions took place with Kabitens and Basiyas from various tribal communities.

Members of the Council of Traditional Authorities of Tribal Communities Europe

Ms. Asawini Edenburg and Kabiten Mutu Poeketi provided a substantive explanation of the historical background of the current situation. Ms. Asawini Edenburg also gave a detailed presentation on the Saamaka-Judgment, information of which many people are unaware. In addition, attention was given to the forced migration that took place during the construction of the Afobakka Dam. As a result of the dam’s construction, communities lost their residential areas, hunting grounds, and agricultural lands—areas that were and continue to be essential to their livelihood and cultural continuity.

After years of resettlement in new areas, natural resources, including small-scale gold mining, have come to play a significant role in sustaining these communities. The current evictions therefore once again directly affect their economic foundation and traditional way of life.

Despite the assurance from the Surinamese Ambassador in the Netherlands that the eviction would not take place, and despite the public statement by President Jennifer Simons that consultation at the table was necessary first, the eviction was nevertheless carried out without prior consultation with the affected communities.

The meeting, supported by the Federation Afro Diaspora Network (FADN), was characterized as highly informative and unifying. Its objective was to move forward collectively, share knowledge, and strengthen one another in the protection and recognition of the rights of tribal and Indigenous communities.

For further information:

Federation Afro Diaspora Network (FADN)

Iwan LeeuwinChair

M: +31 (0) 6 83008961