Rival Eritrean groups clash in northeast Calgary neighbourhood

The northeast community of Falconridge witnessed an outbreak of violence on Saturday when two Eritrean groups faced off against each other.

At approximately 5 p.m., Calgary Police Service responded to reports of an incident at Mcknight Boulevard and Falconridge Crescent, which initially involved up to 150 individuals, many of whom were brandishing weapons.

Police emphasized that it was not a protest but a violent clash between the two groups. The safety of the public remains the top priority, and as such, dedicated resources have been mobilized to maintain order and protect the community.

Last month, clashes at an Eritrean festival at an Edmonton park sent one person to the hospital and triggered the deployment of the police force’s riot squad.

Eritrea won independence from Ethiopia three decades ago. Since then, the small Horn of Africa nation has been led by President Isaias Afwerki, who has never held an election. Millions of residents have fled the country in order to avoid conditions such as forced military conscription.