Eritrean embassies brief diaspora communities on the crisis with Ethiopia
Diplomats held seminars in Italy, South Sudan, South Africa and Angola on what state media calls the "objective situation" at home. Participants in Luanda pledged to defend Eritrea's sovereignty.
By Eyob Hadgu · 25 October 2026
Eritrea's Ministry of Information says the seminars covered the political and security situation and regional developments. (Illustration)
Eritrean embassies and consulates have held public seminars for nationals abroad on what the government calls the "objective situation" at home, as the country's standoff with Ethiopia deepens.
The seminars, reported by Eritrea's Ministry of Information on 21 October, covered the political and security situation in Eritrea and regional and global developments.
Where the seminars were held
In Italy, seminars were held in Rome, led by Ambassador Fesehatison Petros; in Bologna, by Consul General Teklesenbet Imam; and in Bari, by Girmay Habtemicael, head of public affairs.
In Juba, South Sudan, more than 650 nationals attended a seminar led by Consul Tsegai Mehari and Romodan Ahmedin, head of public and community affairs. They were briefed on the government's diplomatic efforts to ensure regional stability "based on mutual respect," according to the ministry.
In South Africa, Ambassador Saleh Omar urged nationals to become more involved in political, economic, diplomatic, media and cultural activities.
In Luanda, Angola, Consul General Desale Tekleab led the seminar. The ministry said participants pledged to do more to protect Eritrea's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adopted a five-point resolution. Its contents were not published.
Similar seminars were reported in Australia and Germany on 18 October.
The context
The meetings come weeks after Eritrea cut diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, which accuses it of an "all-out invasion" of Tigray. Eritrea denies the charge and says it is the target of aggression. The government has also condemned a UK threat to ban Eritreans from entering Britain.
Eritrea regularly holds such meetings with its diaspora, which is an important source of income for the country through remittances and a 2 per cent tax on Eritreans abroad. Critics, including human rights groups, have long said such meetings are also used to mobilise political support among communities abroad.
A note on sources
All details of the seminars, including attendance figures and the participants' pledges, come from Eritrea's Ministry of Information. Asmara Post has not independently confirmed them.
This report draws on statements from Eritrea's Ministry of Information published on Shabait and distributed by APO Group.
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