TORONTO (KAAB TV) – An Eritrean cultural festival held in Toronto, Canada has been cancelled by city officials after violent protests broke out between attendees and opponents of the Eritrean government.
According to local reports, the protesters say proceeds of the three-day annual festival are used to support the Eritrean government which has been described by human rights groups as one of the world’s most repressive regimes.
The divisions within Eritrea over the rule of President Isaias Afwerki have spilled over into the diaspora.
In recent weeks, protesters have disrupted similar festivals in Germany and Sweden.
In a statement online, the Eritrean Canadian Community Center (ECCC) of Metropolitan Toronto, describing itself as a “non-political, charitable organization”, said while it was not associated with the festival, they were “deeply concerned” by the turn of events.
“While ECCC is not affiliated with any of the organizers, we have consistently received numerous concerns from our community members regarding the event organizers’ close ties to the Eritrean government,” it added.