On September 2nd, Calgary witnessed a violent brawl between rival Eritrean factions that have been escalating outside of Eritrea’s borders in recent months. The conflict took place in the Falconridge neighborhood and involved two groups engaging in violence. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) responded to reports of the altercation, with up to 150 people initially involved, many of whom were armed with weapons. A witness video posted on September 3rd showed men throwing rocks and wielding long sticks and bats, some wearing white shirts bearing the current Eritrean flag, while others wore blue shirts displaying the former flag.
Police arrived at the scene soon after the fight began, including officers on horseback. CPS spokesperson Bennett Cliff O’Brien stated at a press conference the next day that there were numerous injuries, with at least 10 people being sent to the hospital. O’Brien described the groups involved as intending to cause violence and confrontations with each other. He emphasized that the level of premeditation in the incident was concerning, and detectives are currently investigating with the expectation of making multiple arrests.
Witnesses observed one group rushing toward the other side, carrying long sticks with the intent to attack. Another witness noted that people were emerging from their cars with wooden boards and pipes, claiming to be protesting the dictatorship in Eritrea. The CPS issued an alert, advising residents to avoid the area due to the ongoing conflict. The police stressed that this was not a protest but a violent conflict between two groups with opposing views.
Similar clashes have occurred in other Canadian cities, including Edmonton and Toronto, coinciding with local Eritrean festival events. These clashes are a result of a political dispute between those who support the former Eritrean flag and those who believe the current flag represents a dictatorship under President Isaias Afwerki. Some protesters have accused the festival events of raising funds for the current regime, while the opposing side accuses Eritrean exiles of instigating the attacks.
Similar violent incidents have also occurred around the world, including Israel, where clashes between Eritrean government supporters and opponents led to the injury of over 100 individuals. In Sweden, protesters attacked an Eritrea Scandinavia cultural festival in Stockholm, with hundreds of people being detained by the police. Germany experienced “massive attacks” against police officers during an Eritrean cultural festival, resulting in injuries to 22 police officers.
The CPS continues to actively investigate all associated criminal activity, including violence and property damage. The ongoing conflicts highlight the deep divisions within the Eritrean community, both within Canada and internationally.