In September 2023, The Canadian government established a Commission of Inquiry with a mandate to examine and assess the interference by China, Russia, and other foreign states or non-state actors, including any potential impacts, to confirm the integrity of, and any effects on, the 43rd and 44th general elections (2019 and 2021 elections) at the national and electoral district levels.

In tandem, the Canadian government allowed the public to submit reports and suggestions on various forms of foreign interference in Canadian public life. That expanded the mandate for Inquiry to examine different forms of interference by state or non-state actors beyond direct interference in Canadian elections.

Brigade Nhamhdu legal team participation

At the end of 2022, Brigade Nhamhdu Legal intensified its efforts to expose the interference of the Eritrean regime. Our efforts led us to join a coalition of diaspora communities experiencing foreign interference.

We participated in different hearings and legal submissions aimed at explaining the extent of the Eritrean Regime’s interference and tactics employed to subvert Canadian democratic institutions.

Last August, we presented 13 witnesses who participated in private group hearings, presenting testimonies ranging from Regime control over the community and religious organizations to direct personal attacks.

The council selected Mr. Ghezae Hagos as a factual witness, and he presented testimony and recommendations on approaches to combat foreign interference. In the hearing, representatives of the other diaspora from China, Tigray, Sri Lanka, Russia and Ukraine.

Recommendations Mr. Ghezae presented to combat foreign interference 

“- The Eritrean consulate office in Toronto and its proxy affiliates have been known to use extortion, threats of violence, intimidation, denial of community and consular services, harassment, coercion, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and threats of reprisals against activists and community members. The regime punishes their families in Eritrea by confiscating their property or businesses, jailing them, denying services to them or even prohibiting their relatives from being sent to their homeland for burial. The long arms of the state, stretching through Eritrean diplomatic missions and members and supporters of the ruling party, proxy community groups closely monitor activities and unleash various forms of threats, attacks and harassment on community members. We recommend taking appropriate action against the Eritrean Consulate in Toronto for operating in a manner that contravenes its proper diplomatic mission and mandate. In the past, Canada imposed Sanctions against Eritrea and, in July 2013, expelled the consul for acting outside the diplomatic mandate. We also recommend considering re-imposing sanctions related to Eritrea, such as (Sergei Magnitsky Act), or Special Economic Measures Act.

-We also have serious concerns about the systematic abuse of Canadian immigration system by regime operatives who came as refugees but may have obtained status through misrepresentation. Investigate these and the misuse of public funds by proxy organizations including registered Charities and religious groups that have affiliation with the Eritrean regime. Taking visible and decisive actions against regime agents not only sends clear message but also emboldens community members. In short, what we need is empowerment; that starts when we, Canada, take the long-awaited actions to safeguard and protect our community members.”

Next

We will maintain the momentum and continue to engage with further sub-committees; the goal is for the Canadian government to enact legal mechanisms to combat foreign interference.