Seltene Girmay: Controversial Impact of @TefetawiTalkShow on the Eritrean Community: Seltene Girmay, the owner of the YouTube channel @tefetawitalkshow, is an Eritrean refugee living in the United States. After working as a truck driver, he began his journey as a content creator in March 2020. His videos often adopt a polarizing perspective, framing discussions around the Eritrean political landscape as a “we versus them” dichotomy. Girmay distinguishes between two main groups: supporters of the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) and individuals he labels as “justice seekers,” those supporting reform and accountability in Eritrea. However, impractical, he uses Awraja Akeleguzay as a shield to dehumanize Eritreans from other regions or Awraja.
Girmay has faced criticism for allegedly defaming public figures who express differing opinions on the Eritrean regime. A notable incident occurred on March 14, 2022, when he reportedly targeted artist Fitsum Beraki. In this case, Girmay publicly attacked Beraki’s personal life following a disagreement over political views. This action demonstrates a broader trend in Girmay’s approach, as he often leverages controversy to engage his audience, sparking debates while drawing significant attention to his channel.
Girmay is known for his role in organizing a group called Brigade N’Hamedu, which has gained notoriety for its involvement in various violent incidents that have resulted in injuries and fatalities among Eritreans living in Europe and Israel. This group has been implicated in numerous altercations and criminal activities that have prompted concerns within the Eritrean diaspora.
As a result of these associations, some Eritrean political elites in the diaspora have taken to referring to Girmay as the “Eritrean Al Capone.” This nickname reflects their belief that he is a central figure in a network of crime that includes notorious individuals such as Beyene Gerezgiher and John Black. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the actions of these individuals and the Brigade N’Hamedu are interconnected, further casting a shadow over Girmay’s reputation within the community.
While Girmay has cultivated a public image as a philanthropist dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations in Tigray, there are allegations suggesting that the funds he used for these charitable activities were primarily sourced from the Eritrean diaspora. This raises questions about the true origin of the financial support behind his initiatives and the motives driving his philanthropic efforts.
In August 2023, The Guardian reported that over 50 individuals were injured in Stockholm during a violent clash between opponents of the Eritrean government and attendees of a pro-regime event. Girmay, a prominent figure in these gatherings, is accused of inciting violence against public events. He often invites controversial guests such as Beyene Gerezgiher and Yohanns Abraha (commonly known as John Black). His social media content and public speeches are designed to engage young Eritrean refugees living in Europe and elsewhere, appealing to their frustrations and grievances regarding the Eritrean regime.
Many participants in the resulting riots have been characterized as politically inexperienced youths driven by intense negative emotions toward supporters of the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), the ruling party in Eritrea. This discontent and unrest underscore the complex dynamics within the Eritrean diaspora, where feelings of alienation and anger toward the government can lead to violent protests and public disruptions.
On September 17, 2023, Al Jazeera reported that over 200 members of the Brigade N’Hamedu were apprehended in Stuttgart, Germany, after a series of intense clashes with police. These confrontations left 26 officers injured, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the group’s activities. Brigade N’Hamedu, led by Girmay, has been increasingly criticized for its perceived lack of a coherent political agenda. Instead of advocating for specific political changes, the group appears to focus on intimidating and harassing supporters of the Eritrean regime, raising concerns about their methods and intentions within the larger context of Eritrean politics. The situation in Stuttgart underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing public demonstrations that blur the lines between political expression and aggression.
According to The Jerusalem Post, recent clashes in Israel have resulted in injuries to 160 Eritrean individuals and 50 police officers. Tragically, 11 people have lost their lives, with an unverified number of additional injuries reported. Alarmingly, sources suggest that innocent Eritrean refugees have died as a direct consequence of misleading narratives propagated by Seltene Girmay and his associate, Beyene Gerezgiher. These deceptive stories have significantly fueled fear and distrust within the Eritrean diaspora, heightening tensions in an already vulnerable community.
In conclusion, the narratives propagated by Seltene Girmay and his associates have faced criticism for their failure to constructively address the pressing political issues facing Eritrea. Instead of fostering dialogue and solutions, these narratives tend to incite unrest, which can lead to further polarization within the community. This approach not only hinders progress but also undermines the ethical and moral values that have historically been important to Eritrean society.
Eritreans need to engage with political initiatives that are based on well-defined policies and achievable goals. Such a focus on clarity and constructive dialogue can help unite the community and promote a more stable and positive political environment. Through thoughtful engagement, Eritreans can work towards building a future that reflects their values and aspirations.
References:
- Al Jazeera. (2023). “Over 200 arrested in Germany after violence at Eritrean diaspora event.” Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/17/over-200-arrested-in-germany-after-violence-at-eritrean-diaspora-event
- The Guardian. (2023). “Dozens injured after protesters storm Eritrean festival in Stockholm.” Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/03/dozens-injured-after-protesters-storm-eritrean-festival-in-stockholm
- The Jerusalem Post. (2023). “Smotrich: High Court is ‘solely responsible’ for Eritrean riot in Tel Aviv.” Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-757333
- Shig Network. (2024). “ብዛዕባ ሰልጠነ ግርማይ፡ ኣል-ካፖን። || About Seltene Girmay, tefetawi talkshow.” Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw1uzG1ww5s
. Tefetawi TalkShow. (2022). “(መደብ ዘተ ተፈታዊ) ኣብ ዝተፈላለየ ሃገራት ዝነብራ ደቂ ኣንስትዮ ስነ ጥበባዊ ፍጹም ጥራይና ስእሊ ገይሩ ኣፈራሪሑና.” Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAVAym7MZwE&t=1107s
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