PFDJ

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. 

Read More

Update: Fourth Front ‘Revenge demonstration’ calls on Eritreans across Europe to join Netherlands demonstration

Fourth Front’ or 4G has announced a demonstration with military character in the Netherlands on 16 October to “take revenge and be compensated for our disrupted festivals,” as announced in a message on Facebook. A poster circulating on social media states the location as The Hague, but the organisers call on Eritreans across Europe to join. A full translation of the message to announce the action has been included below.

Read More

News Highlights: SAF withdraws from negotiations – US applies sanctions, Isaias visits Russia, Eritrean festivals cancelled in EU

In this week’s News Highlights: US imposes sanctions as SAF walks away from negotiations; Humanitarian situation in Sudan; Damage to healthcare facilities in Sudan; Destroyed infrastructure in Sudan; Youth Citizens Observers Network denounces violations in Sudan conflict; Sudan’s refugee situation; Roadmap for resolution of Sudan conflict adopted by AU; UNSC closed meeting on Sudan; Occupation of Western Tigray continues; Starvation and blackouts in Tigray continue; Ongoing humanitarian impact by unrest in Oromia and Amhara; Airline sued for excluding Tigrayans from services; President Isaias visits President Putin; 17 killed after al-Shabaab attack; Tunisian national guard arrests a smuggler and blocks crossing attempt; Eritrean PFDJ festivals cancelled in the Netherlands and Belgium; Proposal for EU reception quotas; Severe criticism of Frontex’s data reliability; The Commission aims at implementing EU’s visa-free travel regimes; EU neglects Afghan refugees, IRC says; NGOs accuse Malta of illegal pushback by proxy; Migrants and refugees stuck at the Poland-Belarus border; Germany to increase border controls; NGOs concerned over illegal pushbacks in Germany; Police officers arrested for smuggling in Greece; People rescued at sea off the Italian coast; French soldiers charged over migrant deaths; and British PM Sunak prioritises the fight against illegal migration.

Read More