Eritrean festival in Stockholm: A celebration of culture or a breeding ground for hate?

In a shocking incident that unfolded in Stockholm, Sweden, age-old African rivalries were reignited, leading to a massive clash between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government. The violent skirmish saw at least 50 people gravely injured, with more than 100 detained. The incident occurred during an Eritrean festival, with around 1,000 protestors causing mayhem. Police barriers were breached, tents torn down, and vehicles set ablaze in a scene that resembled a battlefield.

Riot Breaks Out at Eritrean Festival in Stockholm

The clash broke out near the site where the Eritrean festival was being celebrated, attracting protestors who accused the event of promoting hate and serving as a source of funding for the African nation’s regime. A violent riot broke out, according to the police, who were forced to continue their efforts to disrupt criminal acts and restore order. According to reports, around 100 to 200 people were detained, with 52 requiring medical attention at nearby hospitals. The Region Stockholm healthcare authority indicated that eight of these had serious injuries.

Violent clash in Stockholm Eritrean festival: 50 injured, 100 detained. Photo courtesy of Marie Sjödin from Pixabay.

Sweden’s Stance on the Eritrean Conflict

Sweden, hosting thousands of people of Eritrean background, has celebrated an annual festival dedicated to the cultural heritage of Eritrea since the 1990s. However, critics of the Eritrean government believe the event is a propaganda tool. A protester labeled the event as not a festival but a platform for teaching hate speech, while a pro-government participant accused the violent offenders of being “terrorists” from Ethiopia. Sweden’s justice minister, Gunnar Strömmer, sternly warned against importing violent conflicts into Sweden.

Eritrea’s Troubled History

Widely labeled by human rights organizations as one of the most oppressive nations globally, Eritrea has a troubled history. Under the leadership of President Isaias Afwerki, who hasn’t overseen any elections during his rule, the country has experienced issues like compulsory military conscription, leading thousands to seek refuge in other parts of the world.