Attack in Eritrean Festivals in US, UK, Israel, European Countries.

A Cry For Justice and Safety

Let's cut the jibber-jabber and jump right in, shall we? We have a pressing issue that concerns the rights and safety of Eritrean communities in the UK, Israel, Europe, the USA, and Canada. A recent spree of attacks has left us worried about the safety of innocent folk who only wish to celebrate their cultural heritage and live peacefully within their chosen societies.

At this juncture, let me slip in a quick round of applause for the tireless efforts and dedication of our dear police officers who ensure public safety and uphold law and order. 

However, our concern meter jumped off the charts following a violent incident during a major Eritrean cultural festival in Stockholm. The festival, intended to bring together nearly 40,000 Eritreans, was disrupted by this mysterious group engaging in hate crimes and acts of terrorism, including arson. 

A Look Into the Past…

There's an old saying, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." And folks, we have a chronology of events that takes us back to the issue's root. Here goes...

TPLF and Brigade Nhamedu

The Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) was a sore loser after losing power in Ethiopia in July 2018 and resorted to some dirty tactics. They refused a peace deal between Eritrea and Ethiopia and retaliated with attacks on innocent Eritrean communities in the diaspora. They've also got their social media game on point with digital and social media attacks.

And the plot thickens; when things didn't go as planned in a war they started in November 2020, the TPLF took a violent route against Eritrean communities in Europe and North America. They might have lost their armed wing, but they certainly didn't lose their audacity. The cherry on this bitter cake? They formed the Brigade Nhamedu faction, whose sole agenda appears to be terrorizing peaceful Eritrean communities.

Unending Waves of Terror

Here's the real kicker, folks: This faction marked their arrival with a violent assault during an Eritrean Concert in Giessen in August 2022. It's been a rain of attacks ever since, with violent disruptions during Eritrean festivals and concerts across Europe and America. They even had an Eritrean concert canceled in Holland in the summer of 2022 using Dutch politicians and academics with links to the TPLF! Can you believe that?

In the most shocking act ever in September 2022, they forced the cancelation of an Eritrean Concert commemorating the start of the Eritrean Liberation struggle via threats of violence. Peace-loving people who had gathered outside the Eritrean Embassy in London were attacked. It's like watching a movie, only this isn't popcorn entertainment; it's real life, and it's severely distressing.

The Gut Punch

In July 2023, an Eritrean festival in London was canceled by local authorities after the so-called Brigade Nhamedu threatened to burn the venue. This move profoundly affected innocent Eritreans, especially children and families. It is gut-wrenching to see how these individuals' rights were stripped away like this.

Our Call to Action

This is the time to stand tall and make our voices heard. We are asking the governments of Europe and North America, especially Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the USA, and Canada, to take action now. Here are a series of steps we believe will help the situation:

• Conduct thorough investigations into recent attacks on Eritrean communities and bring the perpetrators to justice.
• Implement exceptional security measures during cultural festivals to prevent similar attacks in the future.
• Guarantee Eritrean communities' right to assemble peacefully.
• Take proactive measures to counter online campaigns promoting violence, hatred, and radicalization.
• Conduct thorough reviews of individuals suspected of being involved in these attacks to uphold the system's integrity.
• Promote synchronization and information-sharing among European countries to address transnational threats.
• Promote cultural understanding and respect among communities.

Protest Vs. Terrorism

Folks, there's a fine line between a peaceful protest and acts of terrorism. The Brigade Nhamedu crossed that line and then some. Their actions in Stockholm, armed with fuel, knives, and sticks, and their tactics in the UK, using dangerous objects causing harm to peaceful Eritreans, cannot and should not be justified. Let's remember the human rights laws in these countries and work towards securing a society that values diversity and harmony.

A Plea for Humanity

In closing, addressing these concerns is a moral imperative and a testament to the shared values of inclusivity, diversity, and human rights that all European countries uphold.

We, the undersigned, call upon the governments of European countries to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and respect for all. Let us create a society that celebrates cultural diversity and fosters harmonious relationships among all its members.

Sincerely,

Eritrean Communities and Civil Societies in Diaspora.