Tensions are escalating within the Canadian Eritrean community following violent incidents at festivals this month. The Festival Eritrea in Toronto and several gatherings in Edmonton ended in chaos and injury. This comes after similar events in the United States, Sweden, and Germany involving the Eritrean diaspora. Some members of the community are angered by the Eritrean government and the situation in the country, opposing the staging of festivals in Canada. They claim that these gatherings raise funds for a repressive regime and spread propaganda. Understanding the recent tensions and the reasons behind the anger in Canada is crucial.
In Toronto, the Eritrean festival held in Earlscourt Park on August 5 was disrupted by demonstrators, including new arrivals and young refugees who have fled the regime. The protesters intended to stage a peaceful demonstration but chaos ensued after their arrival. Stones were thrown from the tents, sparking fights in various areas. The clash resulted in nine people being sent to the hospital, with one man seriously injured from a stabbing. As a result, the festival permit was revoked by the city of Toronto. The next day, tensions erupted at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto, where festival organizers were holding an event. Three people were arrested and later released unconditionally. In Edmonton on August 19, violence broke out between Eritrean groups at a cultural gathering, soccer tournament, and musical event. The protest disrupted the Canada World Peace Soccer Tournament, with about 100 officers called in to separate the two sides. Edmonton police even had to read the Riot Act, a measure not used since 1999.
Protests at Eritrean festivals have been occurring in the past, but social media has amplified participation. The new generation of Eritrean arrivals, the first direct victims of the regime, has contributed to the growing numbers of protesters. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia 30 years ago and has been under President Isaias Afwerki’s leadership ever since, with no elections held. Human Rights Watch describes the country as a one-man dictatorship with no independent institutions. Over half a million people have fled Eritrea to avoid conditions like forced military conscription since the end of 2021. Protests in Canada aim to halt alleged funding to the regime and bring about change in Eritrea. Eritreans like Alem Hagos, who fled the country due to war, want to be a voice for loved ones still living in nightmarish conditions. The Eritrean government has been criticized by human rights groups for its repression, forced labor, and conscription, as well as strict limitations on freedom of expression, opinion, and religion.
The organizers of the festivals, the Coalition of Eritrean Canadian Communities and Organizations (CECCO), deny any political agenda and assert that peaceful celebrators were attacked. The festivals are viewed as opportunities to celebrate Eritrean culture and community rather than fundraisers for the government. CECCO chairman Lambros Kiriakakos emphasizes that the festivals are family-oriented events controlled by Canadian laws. Despite the violence, the festival will continue to run, as a new generation has deep ties to their homeland and African Eritrean identity. The organizers are concerned about the negative portrayal of the Eritrean community but remain committed to maintaining the festival’s traditions.
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