The Eritrean ‘Fourth Front’:  Festivals as a tool to control the diaspora

Riots broke out in The Hague on 17 February 2024. It is the latest in a string of clashes around the world involving pro-democracy and pro-government Eritreans. The latter group organises festivals, proclaimed to be cultural festivals, but which pro-democracy Eritreans state are in reality propaganda events; places were high-level Eritrean officials visit, where diaspora Eritreans go under pressure and threats, where military propaganda and hate speech are spread, and where Eritreans have to pay money to the Eritrean government. Now, a picture is emerging of a highly coordinated effort by the Eritrean government to control the diaspora, which it calls the ‘Fourth Front’, through militia-like structures, including Eri-Blood and Eri-Mekhete. 

Intense fighting in Amhara; Handing over refugees to Libya deemed unlawful by Italian court; Zalambessa residents plea for renewed infrastructure

Residents of Zalambessa, Tigray, urge authorities to rebuild important infrastructure of the town; Drought affecting agricultural and education sectors in Tigray; Intense fighting reported in Amhara; Somaliland Ministry for Foreign Affairs claims MoU with Ethiopia is consistent with international law; Handing over refugees to Libyan coast guard is deemed unlawful by Italian court; EU’s migration policies have been detrimental for safety and protection of refugees and migrants; The insufficient response for refugees fleeing the Sudan conflict to Chad and South Sudan.