I am attending the Scandinavian Eritrean Festival in Stockholm, Sweden, for the second time. Once again, I am deeply impressed by the community’s dignity, grace, discipline, joy, and unity. These qualities reflect a determined people committed to succeeding and thriving wherever they are.
The contrast from previous years is striking. During earlier festivals, Eritreans faced violent attempts to disrupt and shut down these community gatherings. Many Eritreans also felt that public discourse and official narratives reduced them to political labels rather than seeing them for who they are.
What was often overlooked was an extraordinary community defined by its values, history, identity, and deep sense of belonging. The love Eritreans have for one another, their pride in their heritage, and their respect for the country they now call home are evident throughout this festival. At a time when much of Europe is grappling with growing anti-immigrant sentiment, the vibrancy, organization, civic engagement, and unity of the Eritrean community stand out in a remarkable way.
This year, I had the opportunity to meet Swedish officials who were attending the festival, engaging with community members, and listening to their perspectives. With elections approaching, many are also reaching out to Eritrean voters. That represents a notable change from previous years and an acknowledgment that the Eritrean community is an active and valued part of Swedish society.
There is still work to be done. Misunderstandings and long-held assumptions do not disappear overnight. But compared to last year, I sensed a greater willingness to engage. That is encouraging, and it reinforces the importance of continuing to build understanding through dialogue, mutual respect, and firsthand experience.
#ScandinavianEritreanFestival #EritreanDiaspora #Eritrea #Stockholm #Unity
ASMARA — “Shukran Eritraya” (“Thank You, Eritrea”), a beautiful song by a talented Sudanese singer, expressing gratitude to the people and government of #Eritrea for their support and hospitality, was performed at the ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. 🇸🇩 🫡 🇪🇷
"ሹክራን ኤርትራያ" ዘርእስታ ብህብብቲ ሱዳናዊት ድምጻዊት፡ ህዝብ መንግስትን ኤርትራ ስለቲ ደገፍኩም ናብዮትኩም ነመስግን ዝትሕዝቶኣ ጥዕምቲ ደርፊ ኣብ ስነስርዓት መበል 35 ዓመት ልደት ኤርትራ:: (@NakfaPress)
"شكراً إريتريا"، وهي أغنية جميلة أدّتها مطربة سودانية موهوبة، تعبّر فيها عن الامتنان لشعب وحكومة إريتريا على دعمهم وكرم ضيافتهم، وقد قُدّمت خلال مراسم الاحتفال بالذكرى الخامسة والثلاثين لاستقلال إريتريا.
The youth of Eritrea is love until you come by his land he shares one bowl with one cup and one bread with his 9 ethnic groups his language is love we are working people even in the first world they have witnessed by work🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🫶
Happy Independence Day to my beloved country,#Eritrea🇪🇷We honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of our heroes who fought for our freedom. May our nation continue to stand strong, united,and proud.Long live Eritrea and its resilient people! #EritreaShinesAt35
This peace and smile has been paid for so much my people congratulations to this thanks to our heroic ancestors and then we are the heirs of their dock🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷
@FaqiAlis Aid is like a pill that numbs the pain, if you take it too often, you get addicted.
Presidential Isaias Afwerki- (Eritrea's President) #Eritrea 🇪🇷
Unilateral and unjust sanctions on Eritrea have finally been lifted. This marks an important moment for justice, sovereignty, and truth. Thank you, God, for guiding us through difficult times and giving strength and resilience to the #Eritrean people.
#EritreaAt35 #EritreaPrevails
🇪🇷 #Eritrea and its beautiful capital, Asmara – come and see it for yourselves, just like the young tourist from Sweden. A city full of history, culture, and unique charm awaits you. #ComeandSee
🇪🇷🇪🇷 Time for a fun celebration and happiness!
Our National Cycling Team is arriving in the coming days! We are eagerly waiting to welcome you vibrantly at the streets of Asmara! 🎉🇪🇷🚴♂️ 📷Efrem Mekonen
#Eritrea@MeraKudus
Eritrea is mourning the loss of legendary artist and patriot, Dr. Bahar Bereket Mengisteab, who passed away today at 89 years old.
Rest in Peace! #Eritrea
Today at the #UNGA, #Eritrea addressed the Legal Committee: State responsibility must address internationally wrongful acts with a reparative framework, one that dismantles the economic, political, and epistemic systems of colonialism which still cause harm today! 🇪🇷
This is few (or minor). Every Eritrean is a leader of their country. Their vision is to work for the advancement of their country. They think about what they can contribute to their nation. We Eritreans want to work lovingly with everyone. We don't want anyone to die in war.
@biniamb@_AfricanUnion Any attempt to undermine Eritrea’s 🇪🇷ownership of the port is a direct violation of international law & the nation’s sovereign rights. Moreover The Port of Assab is not only a strategic economic asset but also a symbol of Eritrea’s independence & its status is non-negotiable.🇪🇷