Ethnic violence in Albina, Suriname in December 2009 left multiple dead and dozens injured after maroon residents attacked foreign gold miners.
Key Facts
- Dates of riots
- December 24–25, 2009
- Confirmed deaths (police)
- 1 confirmed; priest reported at least 7
- Injured
- At least 24 people
- Reported rapes
- 20 women
- Suspects arrested
- 35 (as of December 28)
- Missing persons (eyewitnesses)
- 17 people
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tension between local maroon inhabitants and foreign gold miners in Albina escalated when a Brazilian miner stabbed a local man to death, triggering widespread outrage among the maroon community.
On December 24–25, 2009, maroon residents of Albina attacked Brazilian, Chinese, Colombian, and Peruvian gold miners. The Brazilian perpetrator was killed, vehicles and houses were burned, Chinese-owned stores were looted, and at least 20 women were reported raped.
Brazil dispatched a diplomatic mission and military aircraft to evacuate its nationals. Suriname deployed troops, arrested 35 suspects, and pledged protection of all foreigners. The exact death toll remained disputed between official authorities and on-the-ground witnesses.
Political Outcome
Surinamese government restored order, arrested 35 suspects, and evacuated foreign nationals; death toll and full accountability remained unresolved.