Eritrean activists in the Eritrean diaspora in Nairobi, Kenya, have faced intimidation and harassment orchestrated by the Eritrean embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, directed at members of the Eritrean diaspora. This issue has escalated tensions within the community and raised concerns about the embassy’s influence on local Eritrean activists. In a letter from the Eritrean embassy in Nairobi to the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the embassy attached a list of what it called “subversive individuals” that were not welcome at its events. The list can be found by clicking here and checking the last page – personal information was redacted. Activists on that list say that they have since experienced harassment and threats.
In a letter addressed to the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the Eritrean embassy included a list of what it deemed “subversive individuals.” This label was applied to Eritrean nationals who the embassy accused of engaging in activities against the government of Eritrea. The release of this list has raised eyebrows, prompting activists to question the embassy’s motives and the potential repercussions for those named.
The Eritrean embassy has further tried to limit the activities of Eritreans in Nairobi, for example by lodging complaints against Eritrean activists at the Kenyan authorities to prevent them from meeting. Eritreans in Nairobi were also sent text messages warning them against participation in the meeting. They were warned that they would not be able to receive consular services from any Eritrean embassy in the world if they did go.
The actions of the Eritrean embassy in Nairobi are a threatening example of the long arm of the Eritrean government, which seeks to control Eritreans inside and outside of the country, activists say. They see the name list as a direct threat against anyone who speaks out against the government in Eritrea.