Toronto Cancels Eritrean Cultural Festival Amidst Protests.
City officials in Toronto, Canada have made the decision to cancel an Eritrean cultural festival due to violent clashes that erupted between festival-goers and those opposing the Eritrean government. This annual three-day festival, previously meant to celebrate Eritrean culture, became a battleground for differing viewpoints.
Protesters have expressed their concern over the festival’s proceeds allegedly supporting the Eritrean government, which human rights groups have criticized as one of the world’s most oppressive regimes. These allegations have fueled tensions within the Eritrean community both in Eritrea and its diaspora.
The discord within Eritrea regarding President Isaias Afwerki’s leadership has extended its reach beyond the country’s borders. In recent times, protests have disrupted similar Eritrean festivals in countries like Germany and Sweden.
The Eritrean Canadian Community Center (ECCC) of Metropolitan Toronto, which identifies itself as a non-political and charitable organization, released a statement online addressing the situation. The ECCC, while not directly involved with the festival, expressed deep concern about the unfolding events. They have consistently received feedback from community members about the festival’s organizers having close ties to the Eritrean government, creating unease within the community.
